Maria Malibran Spanish singer (coloratura mezzo-soprano) Date of Birth: 24.03.1808 Country: Spain

1. Maria Malibran: A Legendary Spanish Opera Singer
2. Early Life and Education
3. Operatic Career and Success
4. Personal Life and Tragic End

Maria Malibran: A Legendary Spanish Opera Singer

Maria Malibran was a Spanish opera singer, known for her exceptional coloratura mezzo-soprano voice. Born into a musical family, Maria made her first stage appearance at the age of six, performing alongside her parents. She received music and singing lessons from her father, Manuel del Populo Vicente Garcia, a renowned composer, tenor vocalist, and teacher. Her mother, Joaquina Briones, was also an opera soprano, and her siblings, Pauline Viardot and Manuel Vicente Garcia, were both accomplished singers as well.

Early Life and Education

Maria was born in a musical family, and her talent for singing became evident at a young age. In 1811, her family settled in Naples, where Maria made her first stage debut at the age of six, performing with her parents. She received training in music and singing from her father and continued to develop her skills. In 1815, the family moved to Paris and later relocated to London. Maria pursued her education at a convent school in Hammersmith, London, where she completed her studies in 1824, becoming fluent in five languages.

Operatic Career and Success

Maria Malibran made her official operatic debut at the Royal Opera House in London in 1825, portraying the role of Rosina in "The Barber of Seville." Her performance was met with great acclaim, launching her career on an international level. She went on to achieve tremendous success in Paris, New York, and Mexico, captivating audiences with her exceptional vocal range and dramatic interpretations. In 1828, Maria signed a contract with the Italian Theatre in Paris and performed there until 1834. She also had successful engagements in Milan and Venice. In addition to her singing career, Malibran was also involved in composition and wrote several songs.

Personal Life and Tragic End

In 1831, Maria Malibran met Belgian composer and violinist Charles de Beriot, with whom she began a romantic relationship. She decided to end her marriage and, with the assistance of Marquis de Lafayette, she married Beriot in 1836. To commemorate their wedding, Mendelssohn composed a wedding aria. They had a son together, Charles Wilfrid de Beriot, who later became a renowned musician and music educator. Unfortunately, Maria's life was tragically cut short. During a performance, she fell from a horse and sustained severe injuries. Despite her injuries, she chose not to seek medical help, fearing the amputation of her broken leg. Maria Malibran passed away prematurely, leaving behind a legacy of admiration from composers such as Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, Chopin, Mendelssohn, Liszt, and many others. Her life and talent inspired poets like Musset and Lamartine, and her character was immortalized in George Sand's novel "Consuelo." Numerous films and novels have been dedicated to Maria Malibran, and in 2007-2008, Cecilia Bartoli paid tribute to her with a series of concerts commemorating the 200th anniversary of her birth.