| Pauline Viardot (1821--1910) was a famous mezzo-soprano with a career spanning twenty-four years (1839--1863). Her Music Salon is credited for launching the careers of Camille Saint-Saens, Jules Massenet, Gabriel Faure, and Charles Gounod. After her retirement she turned her attention towards teaching and composition. She has written over 100 Vocal compositions, 15 Instrumental compositions and 5 Salon Operas.;Chapter 1 presents an introduction and biography of the composer, with special emphasis on her family, friends, colleagues, performance career and music salon. Chapter 2 is a closer look at her salon opera Cendrillon including an analysis of the work. This chapter outlines the musical themes of each character, stage-directing choices, and the vocal demands of Viardot's composition. Finally, this document presents a conclusion that considers Viardot's impact and influence on the music of the 19th Century through her own compositions and the championing of the works of other composers.;In addition, the document includes two appendices. Appendix I contains a French to English translation of Cendrillon. Appendix II contains a list of Pauline Viardot's works. |
