The incredible story of Lina Cavalieri from a music hall singer to world-famous Opera diva

Lina Cavalieri — one hundred years ago, this name spread throughout Europe and in Russia. Italian Opera singer has received overwhelming popularity not only because of the singing, but also appearance — after all, she was called the most beautiful woman in the world.

Star Lina Cavalieri was lit on the operatic horizon in the late nineteenth century. Starting a career kafeshantany and cabaret, a talented singer stubbornly took voice lessons and eventually reached dizzying heights. The wonderful voices were glad to see in the best Opera halls around the world. Naples, Paris, London, Saint Petersburg... But, in addition to the overwhelming success, fate has in store for Lina Cavalieri and a lot ordeal.

Refined and sophisticated look.

Lina was born on Christmas day, December 25 1874, in a simple family. Her childhood was not easy and carefree, she has worked as a peddler flowers, assistant producer and packer of Newspapers in printing before first thought about a career in music.

Lina's singing career began at the age of 14 thanks to the music teacher who lived next door. Listening as the little girl sings a simple song, he decided to work out with her and making sure that the nature has endowed student talent took her to audition for the owner of one restaurant.

Duo Lina Cavalieri and Enrique Caruso.

In the evening, which was made by the Lena, collected these notices. Over time, the owners of the best institutions of Rome began to offer her large fees. Career was going well, but she dreamed of another scene, kafeshantany no longer tempt her. At this time, Lin tries herself as a model, becoming the face of various brands (most known for her collaboration with Palmolive).

Photographers adored her and called her the most beautiful woman of Belle Epoque. Postcards with images can be found everywhere and they sold millions of copies. However, we must pay tribute to Lina Cavalieri always put the condition before the shooting: her image was to be as restrained as possible.

Lina Cavalieri in the advertising of cosmetics Palmolive.

In 1897, a momentous event occurred — Lina Cavalieri was invited to perform in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The success was resounding, the audience warmly received the singer. Lina's heart since a long time was to belong to Russia. The reason for this was, of course, love.

The warmest feelings beauty have experienced a Russian nobleman Alexander Baryatinsky. The feeling was mutual, but the Emperor is strictly forbidden officer to marry the singer without kith or kin. According to some reports, beloved even secretly married, but the marriage was annulled the Emperor's order, and the singer was warned that it was time to leave the country.

Postcards with images of Lina Cavalieri sold millions of copies.

Broken heart Lina yearned for a long time, only in 1908 she decided to marry an American millionaire Robert Chandler. However, the disorder with her husband happened after 8 days, and in 1912 was formalized the divorce. What was the cause is unknown, but on the marriage of Lina received a huge share of the condition of the rich man.

Was in the life of Lina's another marriage with an Opera singer Lucien Muratore. In this Union a daughter was born to Elena and Lina decided to leave the Opera. At that time, the singer was 40 years.

In subsequent years, Lina Cavalieri has starred for advertising, dabbled in film, led a column about the beauty in one of the fashion magazines, has opened a beauty salon, and published an autobiography.

53 Cavalieri divorced to marry a famous race car driver Giuseppe Campari. In this marriage she lived for six years until he became a widower. With the beginning of world war II Lena made the decision to become a nurse, despite its venerable age. She died from a bomb that hit her house in Florence. Someone thinks that the famous singer saved the richest collection of jewelry and because the time has not left the house. Precise evidence of this. The only thing known for certain: February 7, 1944, killed the most beautiful woman in the world and the most talented Opera diva.