VD
Victoria de los Angeles
21quotes
Victoria de los Ángeles: A Legendary Soprano's Life and Legacy
Full Name and Common Aliases
Victoria del Pueblo de los Ángeles was born on November 1, 1919, in Terrassa, Catalonia, Spain. She is commonly known as "La Niña Cantora" (The Singing Girl), a nickname that reflects her remarkable vocal talents from an early age.
Birth and Death Dates
November 1, 1919 - April 15, 2005
Nationality and Profession(s)
Spanish soprano, pianist, and pedagogue
Victoria de los Ángeles was a renowned Spanish soprano who left an indelible mark on the world of opera. She was not only celebrated for her exquisite voice but also admired for her dedication to teaching and mentoring younger singers.
Early Life and Background
Born in Terrassa, Catalonia, Victoria began singing at the age of three, encouraged by her mother, a pianist herself. Her talent was quickly recognized, and she made her professional debut as a child prodigy, performing with the Barcelona Philharmonic Orchestra in 1927. De los Ángeles studied music theory and piano at the Liceo de Barcelona Conservatory before moving to Paris to further develop her vocal skills.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout her illustrious career, Victoria de los Ángeles sang leading roles in numerous operas, including Verdi's _La Traviata_, Puccini's _Tosca_, and Bizet's _Carmen_. She performed with prominent opera companies worldwide, such as La Scala, the Metropolitan Opera, and Covent Garden. In addition to her stage presence, de los Ángeles was an accomplished pianist and composer, showcasing her versatility in various musical settings.
Notable Works or Actions
De los Ángeles' most notable performances include:
Her portrayal of _La Bohème_ at La Scala in 1947, which earned her critical acclaim and solidified her reputation as a leading soprano.
A celebrated recording of _Carmen_, released in 1951, which remains one of the most beloved interpretations of the role.
* Her association with the great conductor Herbert von Karajan, with whom she collaborated on numerous recordings.
Impact and Legacy
Victoria de los Ángeles' impact on the world of opera extends far beyond her remarkable voice. As a dedicated teacher, she founded the Victoria de los Ángeles Music School in Barcelona, which has nurtured generations of talented musicians. Her legacy is also marked by her tireless efforts to promote Spanish culture through music.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Victoria de los Ángeles' reputation as a vocal legend endures due to her extraordinary talent, impressive career accomplishments, and selfless dedication to teaching and preserving the rich heritage of opera. Her remarkable life serves as an inspiration to aspiring singers and musicians worldwide, ensuring that her name remains synonymous with excellence in music.
As we reflect on Victoria de los Ángeles' extraordinary life and legacy, we are reminded of the transformative power of art and the enduring impact of a true legend.
Quotes by Victoria de los Angeles
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Of course the death of Geoffrey has caused a lot of trauma to me generally.
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I mean a German person would never do it like that, it would be very serious, you know, systematic, but a Spanish person it takes another kind of way.
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I am very conscious in what I am choosing. Maybe sometimes I put something there and I make a mistake, but it is not because I want to make a mistake.
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When I begin to sing, I realised I am the only one in the family that has something to earn a little money, and so I found myself being a singer.
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This quality, I mean Geoffrey was with me, was very easy doing - he loved me very much, I loved him very much, and we understood each other so well that it was a pleasure to make music.
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I don't like traditions, I am very personal, very independent, I don't like intimate ladies, I mean in German lieder there's a lot of copy, a lot of imitation, a lot of tradition, and this I have put it aside.
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And after I compose my programs, but it is very easy because I look to the music in a very natural way without fuss, and so I look always music, in my home, like books and books and books, choose books and you read the pages, so I do this with music, and I make programs.
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With Geoffrey, it was the first time we did music together, we understood that everything could be well, and without any problem. And we didn't need to rehearse too much.
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I must say to you that my intensions for instance doing German, it is because Victoria de los Angeles is nothing to do with wanting to be like a German singer.
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