Library Record
Images
Additional Images [10]
Metadata
Object Identification Number |
2012.003.129 |
Object Name |
Book, Song |
Donor |
Melchior, Ib |
Summary / Description |
This music book or script belonged to Lauritz Melchior. He used it over a span of years while he reprised his role in Wagner's "Lohengrin." Originally written and preformed in 1848 by Richard Wager, this edition of "Lohengrin" was published in 1914 by "Leipzig C. F. Peters." This black, leather bound opera book has "Lauritz Melchior" printed in gold in the upper right corner on the cover. The spine has similar gold print that reads, "Wagne / Lohen- / grin." There are additional decorative elements on the spine. The remainder of the exterior is plain. The book binds together the musical score of "Lohengrin." On the interior of the front cover and on the first paper page, there are dates ranging from 1927 through 1956 as well as major cities. The dates were written by Lauritz Melchior. Following the dates, there is a title page decorated with scrolling red script. There are a few other introductory pages before reaching the musical score. The majority of the pages are filled with sheet music. Melchior's name is printed in blue type print in the upper right corner of some of the pages. There is blue and red pencil throughout marking certain portions of songs. There are also notes written in black ink. ------------------------------------------------ L 11 in. W 8 in. H 1 in. |
Language Of Material |
German |
Title |
Lohengrin |
Author |
Wagner, Richard |
Publication Date |
Copyright 1914 (this edition) |
Publisher |
Leipzig C. F. Peters |
Associated People |
Melchior, Lauritz Wagner, Richard Mottl, Felix |
Search Terms |
Melchior, Lauritz script opera score Lohengrin music sheet music Wagner, Richard |
Subjects |
Melchior, Lauritz/script/opera/score/Lohengrin/music/sheet music/Wagner, Richard/wangerian |
Date Received by the Museum |
01/20/2012 |
Year Range from |
1927 |
Year Range to |
1956 |
Provenance |
The Melchior Collection was donated to Dana College by Ib Melchior, the son of Lauritz Melchior. Upon the closing of Dana College in 2009, the museum director, John Mark Nielsen, began negotiations to have the collection donated to the museum. After successful negotiations, the Melchior Collection became part of the collections housed at the Museum of Danish America. All of the artifacts in this gift belonged, at one time, to Lauritz Melchior. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark on March 20, 1890, Lauritz Lebrecht Hommel Melchior was the 6th child born to Jørgen Conradt Melchior and his wife, Julie Sofie Møller. He was named for his godfather, professor Lauritz Lebrecht Hommel, a professional associate of his father. He became a renowned tenor singer in both Danish and American opera. He began his career In 1913, Melchior made his debut in the baritone role of Silvio in Ruggero Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci" at the Royal Theatre (Det Kongelige Teater) in Copenhagen. He sang secondary roles for the following few years until he reevaluated his voice and discovered he was a tenor rather than the baritone he always sang. Melchior's second debut, in October of 1918, was in the title role of Tannhäuser at the Royal Opera in Copenhagen. Following this performance, Melchior's career grew. He held lead roles on the stages of Copenhagen, Chicago, San Francisco, Berlin, Munich, and Covent Garden in London. Melchior had two children with his first wife Inger (Nathansen) Melchior (1889-1929), a son named Ib and a daughter named Birte. Melchior and his first wife divorced, and he married his second wife, Kleinchen. Kleinchen passed away in 1963 after being married to Melchior for 37 years. Melchior also acted on the silver screen in such films as Thrill of a Romance (1945), Two Sisters from Boston (1946), This Time for Keeps (1947), Luxury Liner (1948), and The Stars Are Singing (1953). Melchior became an American citizen in 1947, and he lived in California on his estate known as "The Viking." The museum has an aerial photo of the home. Melchior died in Santa Monica, California in 1973. His body was laid to rest at the Assistens Kirkegaard cemetery in Copenhagen. |
Images |
194\2012003129.JPG |
Accession number |
2012.003 |