This recording, sung in Italian, is from the opera Don Carlos by Verdi.

Ada Crossley first performed this song at a benefit concert at Melbourne Town Hall in April 1889 and it was to become a regular in her repertoire.

Una Bourne, pianist and composer, was born in Mudgee NSW in 1882. She was a child prodigy, who was performing publicly by the 1890s, playing at a benefit concert for Amy Castles in 1899.

Recorded with Mario ‘Harp’ Lorenzi and his Rhythmics in January 1937 whilst singer Marjorie Stedeford was living and working in London.

Marjorie Stedeford was a jazz singer who was known for her deep voice. She was born in Melbourne in 1909 and started her musical career there in the late 1920s.

Marjorie Lawrence, a mezzo-soprano who spent her career singing dramatic soprano roles, was born in Dean’s Marsh in Victoria in 1907.

Mary Narelle, was born Mary Ryan at the Combaning Sheep Station near Temora, NSW, to parents of Irish descent.

Margherita Grandi, a mezzo-soprano, was born as Margaret Gard, on Harwood Island, NSW in 1894.

She travelled to Europe in 1911 where she received training in London, Paris and Milan.

L'Incognita performed at music halls in Europe, wearing a black lace mask to conceal her identity.

Frances Alda became a leading soprano at the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York in the early 20th century.