A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Nau, Maria

NAU, Maria Dolores Benedicta Josefina, was born of Spanish parents at New York, March 18, 1818. Having entered the Conservatoire at Paris, July 23, 1832, she became a pupil of Mme. Damoreau-Cinti, and soon developed a clear and flexible voice. This, with a large share of intelligence, musical feeling, and application, enabled her to take the first prize at the concours of 1834.

On March 1, 1836, at the age of 18, Mlle. Nau made her first appearance at the Opera, in the character of the Page in the 'Huguenots,' and achieved a success, in spite of her inexperience. She remained six years at that establishment, but playing only secondary parts, which did not allow her real worth to appear; and at the end of that time her engagement was not renewed. Mlle. Nau determined, therefore, to travel in the provinces and abroad, where she soon was appreciated much more highly than in the French capital; and in Brussels, particularly, her excellent vocalisation and phrasing produced a marked impression. During 1843 and 44 she continued her travels, impersonating Mme. Damoreau's chief characters. In October and November, 1844, she sang in London. Her foreign successes now opened the eyes of the Opera-managers at Paris, where she was re-engaged at thrice her former salary. She re-appeared there in December, receiving a warm welcome; and continued to sing on that stage till the end of 1848, with unabated éclat. Her farewell was on Oct. 11 of that year, in 'Lucia'; after which she went to London, and thence to the United States, where she had a triumphal progress. Returning to London, she sang at the Princess's Theatre for nearly 18 months, with great success; and thence betook herself once more to the Opera at Paris, where she remained during 1851, 52, and 53. Mlle. Nau re-visited her native country in 1854, and received extravagant adoration. She returned to Paris again in 1856, when she finally quitted the stage.

[ J. M. ]