Music: History, Composers, and Performers: Biographies

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music Further reading

Rosa Ponselle

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

Rosa Ponselle , 1897–1981, American operatic soprano, b. Meriden, Conn. First appearing in vaudeville, she made her debut (1918) at the Metropolitan Opera in Verdi's La forza del destino, opposite Caruso . She was an outstanding member of that company until her retirement in 1937. Ponselle was noted for her powerful, expressive voice and her handling of low tones. Her fame has endured as a result of several important recordings.

Bibliography: See her memoirs (1982); biographies by J. A. Drake (1997) and by M. J. Phillips-Matz (1997).

Her sister, Carmela Ponselle, 1892–1977, mezzo-soprano, b. Schenectady, N.Y., also sang with the Metropolitan Opera company (1925–28, 1930–35), and thereafter taught.

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Ponselle (Ponzillo), Rosa

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music | 1996 | | Copyright

Ponselle [Ponzillo], Rosa (b Meriden, Conn., 1897; d Green Valley, Baltimore, 1981). Amer. soprano. First sang in cinemas and in vaudeville act with her sister Carmella. At Caruso's suggestion, although she had never sung in opera, was engaged for Leonora in La forza del destino, NY Met 1918. Sang at Met 1918–37, CG 1929–31. One of greatest sops. of cent. in such roles as Norma, Violetta, Rachel (La Juive), and the Trovatore Leonora. Retired at height of powers and taught at Baltimore, becoming art. dir. of civic opera.

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MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "Ponselle (Ponzillo), Rosa." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "Ponselle (Ponzillo), Rosa." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O76-PonsellePonzilloRosa.html

MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "Ponselle (Ponzillo), Rosa." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O76-PonsellePonzilloRosa.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Rosa Ponselle: A Centenary Biography. Magazine article from: Notes; 9/1/1998
	Ponselle Foundation ends grants for opera singers.(Arts & Entertainment) Newspaper article from: The Washington Times (Washington, DC); 11/25/2000
	Back to `Macbeth'; Veteran bass Morris returns to Twin Cities.(ENTERTAINMENT) Newspaper article from: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN); 2/20/2000