A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Arnould, Madeleine

ARNOULD, Madeleine Sophie, a famous actress and singer, and the original Iphigenie in Gluck's opera. Born in Paris, Feb. 14, 1744 in the same room in the Rue de Bethisy in which Admiral Coligny was murdered, Aug. 24, 1572. The Princess of Modena hearing the child sing in the church of Val de Grâce was so charmed that she recommended her to the royal Intendant of Music. Against the will of her mother, Sophie became a member of the Chapelle Royale, and was taught comedy by Mlle. Hippolyte Clairon, and singing by Mlle. Tel. Mme. de Pompadour hearing her on one occasion was so much struck by the young artist that she characteristically said, 'With such talents you may become a princess.' She made her début on Dec. 15, 1757, and remained on the stage till 1778, the most admired artist of the Paris Opera. In that year she left the boards and retired into private life. Mlle. Arnould was not less renowned for her wit and power of conversation than for her ability as a singer and actor. The 'Arnouldiana' contain a host of her caustic and witty speeches. She died in 1803.

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