Pauline Viardot
Pauline Ferdinande Laurence, known professionally as Pauline Viardot, was born
on July 18, 1821, in the former 2nd arrondissement of Paris. She was a French
mezzo-soprano singer and composer of Spanish descent. Her father, Manuel García,
was a renowned tenor and singing teacher. Viardot began performing at a young
age and made her opera debut in 1839 as Desdemona in Rossini's Otello in London.
In 1840, she married Louis Viardot, who managed her career. Her vocal range from
C3 to F6 allowed her to excel in dramatic roles, inspiring composers such as
Frédéric Chopin and Hector Berl...
