Isabella Paoli (Soprano) (Firenze, Italia 1860 - Bologna, Italia 1903)

She began her career in 1878 in operetta. Blessed with both beauty and vocal talent, she quickly became a great success. She subsequently appeared in opera, an early performance having been in Valencia, 1889, as Elsa in ‘’Lohengrin’’. Heard in a number of Italian theaters, including the Politeama in Genoa, the Dal Verme in Milano, and the Mercadante in Naples, Paoli gained considerable attention, both for her on stage performances and her prima donna behavior with related scandals and eccentricities. She died as a result of complications following surgery while engaged to sing Gioconda at the Duse Theater in Bologna. Judging from her records, she was one of the great dramatic sopranos of her era. 

Chronology of her appearances

1889 Valencia Teatro Principal Lohengrin (Elsa)

1896 Montevideo Teatro Solis Pagliacci (Nedda)

1899 Torino Teatro Carignano Gioconda (Gioconda)

1900 Napoli Teatro Mercadante Ruy Blas (Casilda)

1901 Modena Teatro Municipale Norma (Norma)

1902 Milano Teatro Dal Verme I Lombardi alla prima crociata (Giselda)

1903 Milano Teatro Dal Verme Gioconda (Gioconda)

RECORDINGS FOR SALE

Zonophone, Milano 1902-09?  
Gioconda (Ponchielli): Suicidio X-1842
Cavalleria Rusticana (Mascagni): Voi lo sapete X-1843