Ángela Peralta (6 July 1845, baptised María de los Ángeles Manuela Tranquilina Cirila Efrena Peralta Castera) was an operatic soprano of international fame. And a leading figure in the operatic life of 19th-century Mexico. Performing her first opera at age 16. Peralta quickly became one of the leading figures in Mexican opera and toured North and South America during her career. Performing alongside some of the most famous hispanic opera singers of the time, including Adelina Patti and Jenny Lind.
Introduction to Ángela Peralta
Ángela Peralta was born on July 6, 1845 in San Salvador de Jujuy. Argentina to parents Ángel Manuel Peralta and Francisca Efren. Her father worked as an administrator for local mines. Which resulted in her family constantly moving around during her childhood. At age seven, they moved to Oruro (Bolivia). Where she would live with her paternal grandmother Maria del Perpetuo Socorro until she finished elementary school at age 15. On the other hand, In Oruro, she discover her passion for music and theatre after attending an opera performance that captivated her attention.
A brief history of her childhood
Ángela was born in San Luis Potosí, to don Félix María de la Luz Peralta and doña Juana Castera. At 11 years old, she goes with her family to Mexico City. Where she study piano and singing with Juan Crisóstomo Heredia. When she was fifteen, her father send her to France for musical studies at conservatories in Paris and Marseille. On July 6, 1845, Ángeles married Dr Francisco Javier Macías y Aragón. He died two years later of tuberculosis. Therefore, she makes her operatic debut in Marseille as Leonora in Il Trovatore on August 21, 1850.
In 1853 she returned to Spain and joined the La Malibrana company. She became known. Thereby playing Gilda (in Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto) and Violetta (in Verdi’s La Traviata). On December 31, 1855, Ángela gave birth to Salvador Magaloni Wood’s only child. Tragically angelina peralta die due to an infection following childbirth when Wood was just 15 months old. Leaving him orphaned until his Grandmother Eugenia Wood arrived from Spain.
Angela Peralta’s First Teachers
Angela’s first teachers were her mother and father. Father taught her music theory, harmony, and composition. Mother taught her traditional Spanish songs. In 1854, when she was nine years old. Angela start studying voice at Conservatorio de Santa Cecilia in Madrid with Manuel Patricio Rodríguez García. They had just returned from Paris where she studied singing with Gilbert Duprez and Manuel García. Then for two months, she works with Antonio García Santoyo y Espinosa and finally for three months. Angela also study voice at Cuerpo Literario Lírico Dramático which conduct by Federico Romero Galván. Therefore, She perform her debut as an opera singer in Madrid on May 25 25, 1855. As Azucena in Il Trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi.
Peralta made her debut appearance at Mexico City’s Teatro Principal on March 24, 1860. As Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto. For several years before 1860, ángela sang to Señor Mariné of Havana, Cuba.
Highlights of her professional career:
She studied music with her father Manuel. Because his father an organist and choirmaster at the Cathedral of San Luis Potosí. Before joining her sisters María and Macaria to form an operatic trio known as Las Hermanas Tranquilinas. The group performing to much acclaim on tour throughout Mexico before moving to New York City in 1873 to make their European debut. After singing opera in France and Italy. She makes her Italian debut as Aida at La Scala, Milan, on March 2, 1875.
Her initial success there lasted for only two seasons, after which she moved back to New York City. Where she frequently appeared in concerts and performances at Carnegie Hall. In 1889, ángela gave up singing after a failed marriage left her with chronic stomach pains that made it impossible for her to perform professionally. However, despite having been declared dead by at least one source during World War II. Because her last name misspell ángela is still very much alive today.
Where she lived?
Ángela Peralta was born in Veracruz, Mexico. Her father moved to Mexico City when she was two years old, and three years later, her mother death. As soon as she finished school. However, at age 12, Ángela went to work teaching music and singing lessons for other children. One of her students was Juan Padillay Dominguez, which popular as El Cachucho (The Mustache). She convinces her father that he would be a good ángela peralta husband, and they get marry on September 22, 1858.
What she looked like?
In 1876, Peralta wrote to her mother, describing her appearance. Her eyes were brown, and she had golden hair. She was one meter sixty-four centimeters tall. However, she signs her name with a big P. She tells her mother that she would give up riding horses for carriages as it makes her hands rougher. She also said that she played tennis and liked reading Victor Hugo’s books in French. Danton by Vicente Riva Palacio and La Gaviota by Enrique Fernández de Lizardi. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, père and Fortunate y Jacinta by Benito Pérez Glades.
What she wore on stage?
Peralta was famous for her beautiful voice, and she ensure to wear gowns on stage that would show it off. On the other hand, often, her dresses are made from rich, vibrant fabric (such as deep red velvet). To complement her deep and powerful voice. She is also noted for wearing silk robes during performances that could reveal as much as they concealed. It also speculates that exposing portions of her body on stage distracts her from any vocal imperfections. Because audiences focus on her bare skin rather than her actual singing talent. Whether or not that’s true remains up for debate. What we do know is that Peralta was an immense and the best singer who wouldn’t hesitate to use her body to augment those skills.
What’s on her tombstone?
The grave of Ángela Peralta is located in Bellavista Cemetery, Mexico City. At her feet are carved two doves, a scene from Tosca, her signature role. Her tombstone reads A mi Madre que me dio la Vida (To my mother who gave me life). There is also a musical inscription Aníbal ángelus Jure reconsider fleabites Urbis Angel Anibal has buried his daughter with his right. These words sing by Scarpia in Puccini’s Tosca and attribute to him as he lowers Tosca’s body into her grave.
What were her most significant achievements?
Ángela de los Ángeles Peralta Casteros, better popular as Ángela Peralta. She Was a Mexican nightingale opera singer of international fame and a leading figure in 19th-century Mexico. Born on July 6, 1845 in Veracruz. She was baptizing María de los Ángeles Manuela Tranquilina Cirila Efrena in the Cathedral of Orizaba. She study music and singing at her parent’s house. Before traveling to Mexico City for further study under José Tomas Padilla. Around that time, she adopt her stage name ”Ángela” after meeting actress Angela Legarra.
Who played Angela Peralta in the movies?
Ángela Peralta was an operatic soprano of international fame and a leading figure in the operatic life of 19th-century Mexico. She considers one of Mexico’s finest, if not greatest. Operatic divas and one of its most significant cultural icons. However, she had several professional rivals notably her contemporary María Guadalupe Valdivieso. Her voice was uniquely admired for its seemingly limitless flexibility. She has been called one of those singers. Who marked an epoch and those who heard her sing the divine Ángela.
Where Did She Die?
Ángela Peralta died of meningitis on January 7 1853, in Mexico City. She was only 17 years old and perform as Elvira in Rossini’s La Donna del Lago at angela peralta teatro Degollado, Mexico City. When she returned to her dressing room after her third and final act of Donna del Lago. She told those around her that she felt ill. The following day, Ángela awoke with a fever. There was no hope for recovery from that moment on. She died three days later, January 7 1853, surrounded by family and friends.
Before her death. It is said that Ángela was asked if she wanted a priest her reply. No, At first glance, one might think it odd for an aspiring mexican opera singer to refuse confession before passing away. However, considering Ángela’s theatrical background. Refusing to see a priest seems more understandable. It is important to remember that actors were not seen as reputable members of society. They were primarily seen as wayward vagabonds. Which did not adhere to religious dogma or moral values set forth by society. In medieval Europe, actors consider heretics because they allow their bodies.
Where Was She Buried?
Ángela Peralta was bury in Mexico City, in La Merced Church. However, her body was later removed. And it is unfamiliar where she lies now. When ángela die in Paris, she had not yet been canonized. But her life considers heroic. The Mexican government makes an official request to Pope Leo XIII to accept ángela as a saint. On May 13 1995, the Holy See agreed to open her cause for sainthood so that ángela. On the other hand, It may declare Venerable following Catholic church law if possible. No such process undertake by Rome or any other part of Catholicism.
