Pauline Lucca

LUCCA, PAULINE (1841–1908), singer. Born in Vienna, she was the daughter of Koppelman Lucka, who had been baptized in 1834. In 1861 Giacomo *Meyerbeer recommended her for permanent engagement at the Berlin Opera, where she remained until 1872, also undertaking guest appearances. After 1872 she toured in the United States and from 1874 to 1889 was an honorary member of the Vienna opera. She created the role of Selina in Meyerbeer's L'Africaine, and was considered the best Carmen of her time. A prima donna assoluta in the grand tradition, she had a voice range of 2½ octaves.

Sources: Encyclopaedia Judaica. © 2007 The Gale Group. All Rights Reserved.