Lace fan belonging to opera singer Lillian Nordica, 1894

Contributed by Nordica Memorial Association

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Description

Lace fan that was given to Lillian Nordica in 1894 from Cosima Wagner at Bayreuth, Germany. Otto Floersheim wrote of the new Elsa: (of Wagner's opera Lohengrin) "No German Elsa I ever saw could..... be compared to Nordica as far as the dramatic conception....of this most essentially German character is concerned. The pronunciation of a language not her own was absolutely flawless and each syllable was clearly comprehensible. The beauty and sweetness of her vocal organ stood her in good stead; her intonation was always as pure and flawless as that of a fine flute, her technique is superb and her musical phrasing delightful and artistic to a degree." (1894, Bayreuth)

The Wagner family was delighted. Cosima next morning sent Lillian a lace fan with the name Elsa worked into the fabric " as a small token for a grand performance."

About This Item

Title: Lace fan belonging to opera singer Lillian Nordica, 1894
Creation Date: 1894
Subject Date: 1894
Location: Farmington, Franklin County, ME
Media: Photographic print
Dimensions: 12 cm x 17 cm
Object Type: Image

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For more information about this item, contact:

Nordica Memorial Association
16 Nordica Lane, Farmington, ME 04938
(207) 778-2042

More Info

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