Emma Albani, 1847-1930 - 17 cents 1980 - Canadian stamp
Specifications
- Quantity: 11 700 000
- Issue date: July 4, 1980
- Printer: Ashton-Potter Limited
- Scott: #860
Description
Canada's first internationally famous singer, soprano Emma Albani, was born Marie Louise Emma C�cile Lajeunesse in Chambly, south of Montreal, in 1847. Her prodigious musical talent appeared very early and was fostered and meticulously trained by her parents, both excellent musicians. She was eventually sent to Europe to study voice with the best masters. When Albani was running out of funds in Milan, her teacher, Lamperti, arranged for her debut in the title role of "La Sonnambula", one of the most difficult operas for sopranos. The locale chosen was Messina in Sicily, the opera fans there being so exacting that any success would clearly demonstrate her talent. Her success was instantaneous. Astonished by her impeccable musicianship and captivated by her glorious voice, the audience, according to a contemporary account, went into a frenzy of shouts, applause and curtain calls. Albani went on to greater and greater triumphs. The world's opera houses vied for her; famous composers created works for her; she sang in the royal courts of Europe and was a special favourite of Queen Victoria's. At her retirement, Albani was living in England where she died in 1930. The portrait of Emma Albani used on this commemorative stamp was painted by Toronto artist Huntley Brown: Albani is posed in costume as Violetta in "La Traviata".
Canada. Post Office Department. [Postage Stamp Press Release], 1980.
Creators
Designed by Huntley Brown
Healey Willan, 1880-1968 - 17 cents 1980 - Canadian stamp
Specifications
- Quantity: 11 700 000
- Issue date: July 4, 1980
- Printer: Ashton-Potter Limited
- Scott: #861
Description
Healey Willan was born in London, England, in 1880. Recognizing his musical inclination, his parents sent him to a choir school at age eight. Three years later he was running choir rehearsals himself, even though some older boys resented being corrected by him. After his voice changed, Willan took advanced studies in organ. He came to Canada in 1913 as the head of the Theory Department of the Toronto Conservatory of Music. He also taught at the University of Toronto. Willan said of himself, "I am a musician who rather likes to compose and I have a good time doing it..." He felt that composition was 98% perspiration and 2% inspiration and that "if a composer... knows his job he can set the telephone directory to music". Willan proved this himself when in 1922 he set the constitution of the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto to music. During his career Willan composed more than 300 pieces of music. His "Symphony No. 1", written in 1936, started a new era of musical productivity in Canada. He was the only nonresident of the United Kingdom to write an anthem for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. He also achieved fame for his work with choirs. Willan died in 1968. The portrait of Healey Willan used on this commemorative stamp was painted by Toronto artist Huntley Brown: Willan is shown at the console of the organ, indicative of his great interest in that instrument and in church music.
Canada. Post Office Department. [Postage Stamp Press Release], 1980.
Creators
Designed by Huntley Brown
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