La Bohème Opera Melbourne Reviews: A Triumph for Madame Melba

The recent production of La Bohème at the Melbourne Opera was a truly unforgettable experience, thanks in large part to the outstanding performance of Madame Nellie Melba. The Australian-born soprano made her debut on the French stage in this challenging role as Ophélie, and it's safe to say that she exceeded all expectations.

From the moment she stepped onto the stage, Madame Melba commanded attention with her precise articulation and beautiful tone. Her voice is pure and limpid, with a delightful timbre and perfect accuracy that made every note ring out with crystal clarity. But what truly set her apart was her natural distinction, grace, and elegance, which won over the hearts of the audience from the very start.

The production itself was marked by unexpected challenges. Madame Plancon fell ill just before the performance, leaving Madame Melba to take on a role that was meant for someone else. To make matters worse, she had only one day's notice before going on stage, and no chance to rehearse with her new partners. It would have been understandable if she had felt overwhelmed or even terrified by these circumstances.

But instead of letting nerves get the better of her, Madame Melba rose to the challenge and delivered a performance that was nothing short of enchanting. Her Ophélie was a true tour de force, full of emotion and passion, and her chemistry with her fellow performers was undeniable. The audience was completely won over by her talent and charisma, and it's no surprise that she received a standing ovation at the end of the show.

As Arthur Pougin wrote in Le Ménestral, 'She appeared for the first time on the French scene, in a role as difficult and demanding as Ophélie, without having had an orchestral rehearsal. And yet, she triumphed... it is in these unfavourable conditions that Madame Melba scored a triumph such as we have not seen for a long time at the opera.'

In conclusion, Madame Melba's performance in La Bohème was a true highlight of the Melbourne Opera season. Despite the odds being against her, she delivered a show-stopping performance that left the audience in awe and set a new standard for sopranos to follow.

La boheme opera melbourne reviews