Rosalia Chalia: Selected Recordings of a Forgotten Soprano (1898-1912)

Rosalia Chalia was born into Cuban nobility in 1866 and despite her family’s wishes, she mounted a tremendously successful stage career. She was especially known for her Santuzza, which she sang at the Metropolitan Opera in the 1898 – 1899 Season. But possibly her greatest mark will be her role as the first major operatic star to make a series of disc recordings: the Eldridge R. Johnson Improved Record (Victor) in 1900 – 1901. She also sang for Bettini, Zonophone, and Columbia. Her records are rare and hard to find in good condition. Her voice is extremely flexible with a huge range and supple timbre. She negotiates coloratura passages with breathtaking agility and beauty. Her recordings are spellbinding and each one is a treasure.