Maria Felicita Malibran

Malibran, Maria Felicita 

(born García). Born Mar. 24, 1808, in Paris; died Sept. 23, 1836, in Manchester. French coloratura mezzo-soprano; of Spanish descent. Daughter and pupil of M. García; sister of the singer P. Viardot-García.

Malibran made her debut in 1825 in London. She performed in opera houses in France, Italy, and Great Britain and won fame as one of the outstanding singers of the 19th century. Her talent was best revealed in roles characterized by intense emotion and passion. Such roles included Norma and Alina in Bellini’s Norma and La Sonnambula, Leonora in Beethoven’s Fidelio, and Desdemona in Rossini’s Otello. Malibran’s performances were distinguished by improvisation and great artistry. She wrote a number of musical compositions, including nocturnes and art songs.

REFERENCES

Pougin, A. M. Malibran. Paris, 1911.
Flament, A. La Malibran. Paris, 1937.
Lancellotti, A. Le voci d’oro, 3rd ed. Rome [1953].