Mara

(ma'-ra), Gertrude Elisabeth, soprano, b. Ka el, Feb. 23, 1749; d. Reval, Jan. 20, 1833. Daughter of musician Schmeling, learned to play vln. alone; taken at 9 as prodigy to Vienna and to London where she was taught singing by Parodies; under instruction of J. A. Hiller at Leipziir heca^efirot great German M*«ge, g. g I.lo in Dresden; married unworthy ’cellist Mara; 1780 escaped or released from tyranny of King Frederick II, went to Vienna, Munich, and Pans, where she sang m rivalry with Todi; 1784- 1802 won great popularity in London, singing at Handel Festival and other concerts; retired to Moscow, lost all her property in fire 1812; taught in Italy, failed totally on last appearance in London 1819; voice of remarkable range, stage presence always hampered by disease contracted in childhood. Marbeck [or Merbecke], John, compr., orgt. b. 1523; d. Windsor, about 1585. Chorister and orgt. at Windsor; condemned to death as heretic and narrowly escaped burning 1544; under Edward VI, free to declare opinions, published (1550) Booke of Common Praier Noted, in which plain chant was adapted to the new ritual; published also commentaries and a few hymns: escaped later persecutions and held position as orgt. 169 MARCELLO