Description

MARGUERITE NAMARA (CLEVELAND, OHIO NOVEMBER 19, 1888 – MARBELLA, SPAIN NOVEMBER 5, 1974)

 

 

 

 

Margret Banks, better known by her stage name, began her musical journey under the tutelage of her mother before continuing her studies at the Milan Conservatory. She made her operatic debut in 1908 at the Teatro Politeama in Genoa, performing as Marguerite in Gounod’s Faust.

In 1910, she transitioned to singing in operettas in France and refined her vocal skills further with Jean de Reszke in Paris. As an assistant artist, she joined legendary performers Enrico Caruso, Pasquale Amato, and Fritz Kreisler on their worldwide tours. For a period, she also accompanied the celebrated dancer Isadora Duncan on her tours.

Upon returning to North America, she gained popularity as an operetta soprano and joined the Chicago Civic Opera in 1918. She performed there until 1922, appearing in roles such as Micaela in Carmen, Olga in Fedora, Thaïs, and Mimì in La Bohème. She also made guest appearances at the Opera of New Orleans.

From 1923 to 1925, she sang at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, performing roles such as Mimì, Tosca, Thaïs, and Violetta. During this time, she collaborated with Manuel de Falla to study Spanish repertoire and worked with Albert Wolff to enhance her French operatic interpretations.

In 1927, she returned to America, continuing her career as an operetta star and branching out as an actress. She appeared in early sound films such as Stolen Moments with Rudolph Valentino and Peter Ibbetson with Gary Cooper.

In the 1940–1943 seasons, she performed in operettas on New York’s Broadway, and in 1944, she gave a recital at Carnegie Hall. Alongside her musical endeavors, she pursued painting and frequently exhibited her artwork in the United States. Her multifaceted career showcased her talents as a soprano, actress, and visual artist.

 

Chronology of some appearances

 

1908 Genova Teatro Politeama Faust (Marguerite)

1918-1922 Chicago Civil Opera

1923-1925 Paris Opéra-Comique

 

TRACKLIST

 

Marguerite Namara – Iberian Folk-Songs

A1 Copla De Columpio

A2 Solea

A3 Sevillanas

B1 Granadinas

B2 Gallician Street Cry “Alala”

B3 Malaguena

Piano – Marguerite Namara

Soprano Vocals – Marguerite Namara

 

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Carmen (Bizet) Seguidilla IRCC No. 239-A 8148

Lakme (Delibes) Sous le dôme épais IRCC 3029-A

Morenita (Buzzi-Peccia) Edison 80713-L 5977-C-2-5

Plaisir d’amour (Martini) IRCC 3029-B