I am Melba: A Biography

Discover the captivating story of 'I Am Melba: A Biography,' a striking account of the life of Dame Nellie Melba, Australia’s first opera superstar. This engaging biography traces the journey of Nellie Mitchell, a young Melbourne girl who defied societal expectations to achieve global renown as a phenomenal singer and cultural icon. From her humble beginnings, where her musical talents were stifled by rigid family norms, to her dramatic escape to London, Melba's life is a testament to perseverance and passion. With richly detailed storytelling, Ann Blainey delves into Melba's relationships with prominent figures in the music world and explores her romantic entanglements, including her infamous affair with royalty, which drew the media's relentless pursuit across Europe. This biography not only celebrates Melba's extraordinary talent but also reveals her as a shrewd businesswoman and devoted mother, encapsulating the essence of a woman who left an indelible mark on the arts. If you're searching for a compelling read that offers insights into the life of one of Australia's most iconic figures, 'I Am Melba' is an essential addition to your collection. Perfect for literature enthusiasts, music lovers, and anyone keen on exploring Australian history, this biography combines entertainment, poignancy, and historical significance. Grab your copy of 'I Am Melba: A Biography' today and explore the fascinating life of a true legend in music history.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781863951838
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2008
Publisher: Black Inc
Pages: 336


Description:
I Am Melba - how a Melbourne girl defied her father and left her husband to become the most famous singer of the age.

Growing up in Melbourne, Nellie Mitchell showed musical promise and dreamed of fame, but her father had more orthodox plans in mind. Early marriage took her to the Queensland cane-fields - but her ambitions remained, and she soon fled to London, trusting in talent and luck to get her by.

Within a few years, reborn as Nellie Melba, she was performing to overflowing concert halls, hobnobbing with royalty and collaborating with Europe's most renowned musicians. When her affair with the heir to the defunct French throne was discovered, the press chased them from Paris to St Petersburg and back again, desperate for a glimpse of "the Voice" and her royal conquest.

Feted and condemned by critics, relentlessly pursued by the press and mobbed by adoring fans, Dame Nellie Melba was Australia's first superstar. Behind the scenes, she was a canny businesswoman, an affectionate mother and a playful practical joker. When she died - apparently after a botched face-lift - flags were flown at half-mast and thousands turned out to see her funeral cortege.

In this definitive biography, Ann Blainey captures the exuberance, controversy and pathos of a remarkable Australian life.

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