A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Falcon, Marie

FALCON, Marie Cornélie, born Jan. 28, 1812, at Paris, received vocal instruction at the Conservatoire from Henri, Pellegrini, Bordogni, and Nourrit, and gained in 1830–31 first prizes for vocalization and singing. On July 20, 1832, she made her début at the Opéra as Alice in 'Robert,' with brilliant success. 'Her acting, intelligence, and self-possession give us promise of an excellent actress. In stature tall enough to suit all the operatic heroines, a pretty face, great play of feature. … Her voice is a well-defined soprano, more than 2 octaves in compass, and resounding equally with the same power' (Castil-Blaze). She remained there until 1838, when ill-health and loss of voice compelled her to leave for Italy. Her parts included Donna Anna on the production of 'Don Juan,' March 10, 1834, Julie in 'La Vestale' at Nourrit's benefit May 3, 1834, the heroines in 'Moïse' and 'Siege de Corinthe.' She also created the parts of Mrs. Ankarstroem ('Gustave III.'), Rachel ('La Juive'), Valentine ('Huguenots'), her best part, the heroine in Louise Bertin's 'Esmeralda,' and in Niedermeyer's 'Stradella.' 'Richly endowed by nature, beautiful, possessing a splendid voice, great intelligence, and profound dramatic feeling, she made every year remarkable by her progress and by the development of her talent.' (Fétis.) [See vol. iii. p.357 b, note 3.] After an absence of two years, and under the impression that her voice was restored, on March 14, 1840, she re-appeared at a benefit given on her behalf in the first two acts of 'La Juive,' and in the fourth act of the 'Huguenots.' But her voice had completely gone, and it was with difficulty she could get through the first part—indeed she fainted in the arms of Duprez. (Clément, Histoire de Musique, p.749.) After this she retired altogether from the Opera, where her name still survives to designate dramatic soprano parts. Mme. Falcon afterwards married M. Malançon, and we believe that she is still living in Paris.

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