Author: Robert Wainwright
Publisher: Atlantic Books
ISBN: 1838955100
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 317
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Book Description
'In this highly readable biography of Nellie Melba...Robert Wainwright tells the story of the girl with the incredible voice who, by sheer force of her personality and power of her decibels, took the operatic world by storm and managed to escape from her violent husband' Ysenda Maxtone Graham, DAILY MAIL Nellie Melba is remembered as a squarish, late middle-aged woman dressed in furs and large hats, an imperious Dame whose voice ruled the world for three decades and inspired a peach and raspberry dessert. But to succeed, she had to battle social expectations and misogyny that would have preferred she stay a housewife in outback Queensland rather than parade herself on stage. She endured the violence of a bad marriage, was denied by scandal a true love with the would-be King of France, and suffered for more than a decade the loss of her only son - stolen by his angry, vengeful father. Despite these obstacles, she built and maintained a career as an opera singer and businesswoman on three continents which made her one of the first international superstars. Award-winning biographer Robert Wainwright presents a very different portrait of this great diva, one that celebrates both her musical contributions and her rich and colourful personal life.
Author: Janeen Brian
Publisher: Random House Australia
ISBN: 014378031X
Category : Sopranos (Singers)
Languages : en
Pages : 38
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Book Description
A picture book series about the extraordinary men and women who have shaped Australia's history, including opera star Dame Nellie Melba. Dame Nellie Melba was a soprano singer. She was the first classical musician from Australia to gain international acclaim, helping to raise Australia's cultural prestige in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was appointed Dame Commander, OBE for her enormous fundraising efforts during World War One. Dame Nellie is remembered for bringing opera and opera training to audiences across Australia and commemorated on the Australian hundred-dollar note. From Ned Kelly to Banjo Paterson; Captain Cook to Sidney Nolan, the Meet ... series of picture books tells the exciting stories of the men and women who have shaped Australia's history.
Author: Gabiann Marin
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781921042645
Category : Opera
Languages : en
Pages : 111
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Book Description
Six-year-old Helen Porter just wanted to sing on stage. As a child, and then a teenager, she continued to pursue her dream of being a great opera star. Born Helen Porter Mitchell, she changed her name to reflect her Melbourne heritage. In 1887 Nellie Melba made her operatic debut. She went on to sing in all the great opera houses of Europe. During World War 1 Nellie Melba worked tirelessly holding many fundraising concerts for the war effort. Nellie Melba was the first great Australian diva. This Aussie Heroes series introduces primary-aged children to heroes who have made a contribution to Australian society. Each hero has helped others in need and in turn shaped history. An insightful look at the fascinating lives of great Australians. Written by Gabiann Marin & illustrated by Rae Dale.
Author: Dame Nellie Melba
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 380
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Book Description
Author: Ann Blainey
Publisher: Black Inc.
ISBN: 192182543X
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 400
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Book Description
The story of an Australian girl who defied convention and became the most famous singer of her era. Growing up in Melbourne, Nellie Mitchell dreamed of fame, but her devout father disapproved. When a chance arose to go to Paris, she trusted in her musical talent and hoped for a lucky break. Within a few years, reborn as Nellie Melba, she was performing to overflowing concert halls, hobnobbing with European royalty and collaborating with some of the most renowned composers of the age. Audiences swooned over the 'heavenly pleasures' of her voice, while the public showed an insatiable appetite for news of her sometimes passionate private life. Dame Nellie Melba was Australia's first international superstar. In this important biography, enhanced by new research, Ann Blainey captures the exuberance, controversy and pathos of Melba's remarkable career. Winner of the 2009 National Biography Award. Shortlisted, 2008 Age Book of the Year Awards. ‘Blainey ... writes with clarity and panache. This is an entertaining biography. Everyone should read it and be reminded of what a remarkable singer we once had in our midst.’ —Sydney Morning Herald ‘There have been five biographies of Melba, together with her own rather fanciful memoirs; but the present one by Ann Blainey is superior to them all.’ —The Age ‘Thoroughly researched, excellently written and beguilingly human biography of Nellie Melba’ —Australian Book Review ‘Blainey brings a freshness to the story, giving us the feeling that we are reading about a life in progress.’ —Good Reading ‘Welcome and timely, shedding new light on the diva’ —Courier Mail ‘This is a gripping story of triumph and sorrow.’ —Sun-Herald ‘Meticulously researched biography’ —The Australian Ann Blainey is the author of I Am Melba. She has written five biographies, and her most recent biography of Dame Nellie Melba reflects her fascination with singing and opera. She has served on the council of two Australian opera companies and of the Percy Grainger Museum in Melbourne, where she lives.
Author: Dame Nellie Melba
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Singing
Languages : en
Pages : 80
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Book Description
Author: John Hetherington
Publisher: Melbourne University Press Aus
ISBN: 9780522846973
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 0
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Book Description
It wasn't enough for Melba to become one of the greats of the Golden Age of Grand Opera. She wanted to be the greatest. her glorious voice took her to the top; her ruthless determination to overthrow any rival kept her there long after the voice had begun to decline. Revealed in this relentlessly candid yet sympathetic study is Melba the drama queen, the monstrous prima donna, the canny businesswoman, the generous and kindly friend, the unique star who refused to fade. 'There are lots of duchesses but only one Melba' -- Nellie Melba
Author: Marian Vickery
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 22
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Book Description
Author: Sandy Sturmer
Publisher: R.I.C. Publications
ISBN: 1863115765
Category : Activity programs in education
Languages : en
Pages : 55
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Book Description
Author: Jeffrey Richards
Publisher: Manchester University Press
ISBN: 1526121379
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 545
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Book Description
