Subject
Women singers -- Fiction Books
Best books
George Du Maurier
Trilby
"Trilby" by George du Maurier is a sensation novel published in 1894. Set in bohemian 1850s Paris, it follows three British art students who befriend Trilby O'Ferrall, a tone-deaf artist's model beloved by all who meet her. When the sinister musician Svengali enters her life, he transforms her through hypnosis into a celebrated opera singer. But this mysterious power comes at a terrible cost, leading to tragedy for all involved. The novel shaped popular notions of bohemian life and became a cultural phenomenon.
Willa Cather
The Song of the Lark
"The Song of the Lark" by Willa Cather is a novel written in 1915. It follows Thea Kronborg, a talented girl from a small Colorado town who dreams of becoming a musician. When a teacher discovers her remarkable singing voice, she leaves home to pursue vocal training in Chicago and beyond. The novel traces her artistic development and personal sacrifices as she climbs toward success, shedding relationships that no longer serve her ambition in the burgeoning American West.
Arnold Bennett
The Ghost: A Modern Fantasy
"The Ghost: A Modern Fantasy" by Arnold Bennett is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Carl Foster, a young man with aspirations of becoming a doctor, who is introduced to the glamorous yet complex world of opera and theatrical fame in London through his cousin Sullivan. As Carl navigates this new landscape, he becomes entangled with notable characters such as the celebrated soprano Rosetta Rosa and the renowned tenor Alresca, who is suffering from a mysterious ailment. The opening of the novel sets the stage for Carl's journey by depicting his innocent confusion and naivety as he arrives in London. He bumps into his older cousin Sullivan, who embodies the essence of theatricality, and invites Carl to join him at a prestigious opera performance. Through a series of interactions, Carl meets various influential people, including Sullivan's wife, Emmeline, who hints at deeper, more disconcerting undercurrents involving Rosa and Alresca. The narrative introduces themes of ambition, unrequited love, and the potentially sinister influence of fame, providing a tantalizing glimpse into a world where beauty and talent might mask underlying darkness.
F. Marion (Francis Marion) Crawford
Fair Margaret: A Portrait
"Fair Margaret: A Portrait" by F. Marion Crawford is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Margaret Donne, an idealistic young woman navigating her aspirations of becoming a professional singer while dealing with the complexities of relationships, particularly with the realistic yet sensitive critic, Edmund Lushington. The book explores themes of ambition, identity, and the contrasting worldviews between idealism and realism. The opening of the novel introduces us to a conversation between Margaret and Lushington, highlighting their differing perspectives on life and art. Lushington, a self-proclaimed realist, contrasts sharply with Margaret’s idealistic nature, resulting in a lively intellectual sparring that reveals their personalities. Margaret is portrayed as confident and somewhat reflective, while Lushington's shyness and sensitivity create an intriguing dynamic. Their exchange touches upon societal expectations and personal values, setting the stage for the exploration of Margaret's future in the opera world and the potential conflict it might bring to her character and relationships. The chapter effectively establishes the foundational tension between ambition and the fear of losing one’s essence in pursuit of success.
Anonymous
L'oeuvre des conteurs allemands: mémoires d'une chanteuse allemande traduit pour la première fois en français avec des fragments inédits
"L'oeuvre des conteurs allemands: mémoires d'une chanteuse allemande" by Anonymous is an autobiographical work likely written in the 19th century. The text appears to be a candid reflection of a woman's personal and romantic experiences, capturing her journey through love, sexuality, and societal expectations as she navigates her emotional life. The narration hints at a deeply psychological exploration of femininity and self-realization. The opening of the work introduces the main character, who is addressing a friend with a sense of trust and intimacy. She reflects on her past, recounting her experiences related to love and desire, beginning with her early adolescence and the complexities of her awakening sexuality. The narrative discusses her perceptions of her parents' relationship, her own burgeoning sensuality, and her curiosity about intimacy, which is stirred by witnessing the affection between her parents. This part establishes a theme of exploration and inquiry into the nature of love and personal identity, painting a vivid picture of the protagonist's internal conflicts and her journey towards understanding her desires and the societal constraints surrounding them.
Elinor Macartney Lane
Katrine: A Novel
"Katrine: A Novel" by Elinor Macartney Lane is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the characters of Katrine Dulany and Frank Ravenel, exploring themes of love, loyalty, and the complexities of personal relationships against a backdrop of Southern American life. At the start of the novel, the narrative establishes the setting of the Ravenel Plantation in North Carolina, introducing the protagonist, Francis Ravenel. He is a charming man returning home, soon to encounter the intriguing Katrine Dulany, daughter of a new overseer. Their initial meeting hints at both a budding connection and the tensions brought on by Katrine's father's struggles with alcoholism. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into an exploration of their interactions, the dynamics with other characters like Dermott McDermott, and the emotional journeys they undertake amidst the lush Southern landscape. The opening chapters set the stage for an intricate tale of interpersonal relationships and the impact of societal expectations.
F. Marion (Francis Marion) Crawford
The Primadonna A Sequel to "Fair Margaret"
"The Primadonna" by F. Marion Crawford is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers on a prominent opera singer named Margarita da Cordova, known for her breathtaking vocal talent, as she navigates the complexities of fame, relationships, and personal identity at a time when societal expectations weigh heavily on women. The narrative explores her interactions with various characters in the opera world, particularly in the wake of a tragic incident during her performance that leaves both her and her audience profoundly affected. The opening of "The Primadonna" presents a tense scene during a performance in New York, where Cordova captivates the audience with her haunting rendition of a mad scene from "Lucia di Lammermoor." Just as she reaches a moment of climax in her performance, an explosion rattles the opera house, leading to panic among the crowd. In a display of remarkable composure, Cordova begins to sing again, calming the audience amidst chaos. This act of heroism is overshadowed by the tragic news of a nearby explosion linked to the incident, marking the beginning of a tumultuous journey for Cordova as she copes with the duality of her public persona and her private self, while grappling with complex relationships and the unexpected fallout from her newfound status as a perceived hero.
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