author
Dame Clara Butt
1872–1936
One of the great contraltos of her age, she became a huge concert and recording star in Britain and beyond. Her rich, powerful voice and commanding stage presence made her a defining musical figure of the late Victorian and Edwardian years.
1 Audiobook
How to Become a Successful Singer
by Dame Clara Butt, Enrico Caruso, Ben Davies, Dame Nellie Melba
About the author
Born in Southwick, Sussex, in 1872, Clara Butt studied at the Royal College of Music and quickly stood out for the unusual depth and power of her voice. She made an early impression in concert and oratorio, and soon became one of England’s best-known singers.
She was especially admired as a dramatic contralto, and composers including Edward Elgar wrote with her voice in mind. Over the years she built a remarkable public career through recitals, festivals, recordings, and broadcasts, helping shape what modern musical celebrity could look like.
Butt was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and she remained a beloved public figure until her death in 1936. Today she is remembered not only for her artistry, but also for the way her performances and early recordings carried classical singing to a much wider audience.