Amelita Galli-Curci

Amelita Galli-Curci was one of the first female operatic stars of the phonograph. Compton Mackenzie, the founder of The Gramophon magazine said he could accept old age if he had as many records of Galli-Curci as of Caruso. Her background was Italian and Spanish. Born Amelita Galli, she was a piano student in a well-to do musical household. The well-known opera composer Mascagni visited her parents and on hearing her play and sing recommended that she become a singer. After that, Amelita diligently taught herself. She made her debut in 1906 as Gilda in Rigoletto, which remained...