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Geraldine Farrar: Opera's Charismatic Innovator (2nd Edition)

Gregory Woods

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Geraldine Farrar was one of the most celebrated opera singers of the early 20th century. Known for her powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and innovative approach to performance, Farrar left an enduring legacy on the world of opera. This comprehensive biography explores her life and career, from her early beginnings in Boston to her international triumphs and eventual retirement.

Geraldine Farrar: Opera’s Charismatic Innovator, 2d ed.

by Elizabeth Nash

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2627 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	194 pages

Through extensive research, the author paints a vivid portrait of Farrar's personal and professional life, revealing the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, her determination to push boundaries, and her unwavering commitment to her art. The book is richly illustrated with rare photographs, playbills, and other archival materials, providing a visual record of Farrar's extraordinary career.

Early Life and Training

Geraldine Farrar was born in Melrose, Massachusetts, on February 28, 1882. Her father was a successful businessman, and her mother was a talented singer. Farrar began singing at an early age, and she quickly displayed a natural talent for music. She studied singing with several teachers in Boston, and she made her professional debut at the age of 16.

Career Breakthrough

In 1901, Farrar was invited to sing the role of Violetta in La Traviata at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. This was a major breakthrough for Farrar, and it launched her international career. She quickly became one of the most popular singers at the Metropolitan Opera, and she performed there for over 20 years.

International Success

Farrar's success at the Metropolitan Opera led to invitations to sing at other major opera houses around the world. She performed in London, Paris, Vienna, and Berlin, and she was always greeted with critical acclaim. Farrar was known for her powerful voice, her charismatic stage presence, and her innovative approach to performance. She was one of the first singers to use modern acting techniques in her performances.

Personal Life

Farrar's personal life was often tumultuous. She was married twice, but both marriages ended in divorce. She also had several affairs with other men. Farrar was a strong-willed and independent woman, and she was not afraid to speak her mind. She was often outspoken about her beliefs, and she was not afraid to challenge the status quo.

Retirement and Legacy

Farrar retired from singing in 1922. She spent her retirement years in New York City, where she continued to be active in the music world. She taught singing, she wrote her autobiography, and she served on the board of directors of the Metropolitan Opera. Farrar died in New York City on September 11, 1967.

Geraldine Farrar was one of the most celebrated opera singers of the early 20th century. Her powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and innovative approach to performance left an enduring legacy on the world of opera. She was a true pioneer, and she helped to pave the way for other women in the field. Farrar's story is an inspiring one, and it is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Bibliography

* Farrar, Geraldine. My Story. New York: Doubleday, 1938. * Freeman, John W. Geraldine Farrar: A Singer's Life. New York: Metropolitan Opera Guild, 1994. * Henahan, Donal. Geraldine Farrar: A Biography. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1981. * Kutsch, K. J., and Leo Riemens. A Biographical Dictionary of Opera Singers. New York: Garland, 1990. * Sadie, Stanley, ed. The New Grove Dictionary of Opera. New York: Grove, 2004.

Geraldine Farrar: Opera’s Charismatic Innovator, 2d ed.

by Elizabeth Nash

4 out of 5