Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Object Identification Number |
2012.003.003 |
Object Name |
Print, Photographic |
Donor |
Melchior, Ib |
Description |
A vertically oriented, black and white photograph of Lauritz Melchior as a young boy. The boy sits on a wooden chair with his hands clasped together resting on his lap. He has a mid-toned that is cut short, and he is smiling broadly. He wears a long, woolen peacoat that has double breasted buttons. His trousers and shoes are dark, almost blending into the background. Prior to removal of the frame, the words "Lauritz Melchior 1898?" were seen written in pencil on the back. Now, pencilled on the back is "9 1/4 x 7". |
Print Size |
7X9.5 inches |
Creation Date |
ca. 1890s |
Place of Creation |
Denmark |
Associated People |
Melchior, Lauritz |
Search Terms |
Melchior, Lauritz Copenhagen, Denmark child boy music opera singer |
Date Received by Museum |
01/20/2012 |
Provenance |
This image is of Lauritz Melchior at the age of 6 or 7 years old. The photo originally came in a simple, dark frame. On the back of the frame, the words "Lauritz Melchior 1898?" were seen written in pencil. ---------------------------------- 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 |
190\2012003003.JPG |
Accession number |
2012.003 |