Edición Instituto Cervantes at FAS - Harvard University
Estudios del Observatorio/Observatorio Studies. 086-06/2023EN
Abstract: This study aims to expand research on the important influence of a family of Spanish origins, the Garcías, who introduced Italian opera to the United States and fundamentally shaped 19th-century vocal performance, leaving an interpretive and pedagogical legacy that transcends to the present day. Molly Nelson-Haber examines the circumstances that led to the New York premiere of Il barbiere di Siviglia, one of the most important events in the musical history of the United States, also surveying its reception among audiences and critics, María Malibrán’s success as an undisputed diva, and the subsequent performances of the García Family, which had a great impact on New York’s musical life. Patricia Kleinman explores the influence of the ‘García Technique’ in the United States––a method originally developed by Manuel García, elaborated by his son, Manuel Patricio, which emerged over the course of the 19th century as an established tradition and an emblem of artistic excellence. Finally, Isabel Pérez Dobarro examines Malibrán’s influence on the emerging music publishing business in the United States during the first half of the century; the sheer quantity of publications referencing the great singer attests to her tremendous influence beyond the stage.
Keywords: García, María Malibrán, Dominick Lynch, Giuditta Pasta, Park Theatre, Barbiere, New York, Pauline Viardot, vocal pedagogy, vocal technique, opera, singing teachers, García method, bel canto, women professionalization, piano, salon music, opera, music publishing