(b Madrid, 19 Feb 1843; d Craig-y-Nos Castle, 27 Sept 1919). Italian soprano. She came from a family of singers, touring the USA (with Ole Bull and later Gottschalk) before making her European début at Covent Garden (1861), where she reigned for 25 years. With her perfectly placed voice and remarkable acting skills she excelled in the roles of Amina, Lucia, Violetta, Norina and Rosina. Later she was noted for the slightly heavier roles of Semiramis, Marguerite, Leonora (Il trovatore) and Aida - as well as her legendary temperament, fees and jewels.

The Concise Grove Dictionary of Music. Copyright © 1994 by Oxford University Press, Inc.. All rights reserved.