10/06/1860, Brăila, Moldavia and Wallachia - 12/01/1939, Bucharest, Romania
Celebrated Romanian operatic soprano who had a three-decade-long career. Darclée's repertoire ranged from coloratura soprano roles to heavier Verdi roles, including many in the Franco-Italian lyric repertory. Throughout her career she participated in several world premieres, creating the title roles in Giacomo Puccini's Tosca, Pietro Mascagni's Iris, and Alfredo Catalani's La Wally. Puccini reportedly considered her to have been "the most beautiful and exquisite Manon".