Carmen Melis (1885-1967) was an Italian soprano, especially associated with Puccini and verismo repertory. She sang at major Italian houses and later became an influential teacher.

In the Pristine catalogue she appears as Tosca in Carlo Sabajno’s early recording of Puccini’s opera, alongside Apollo Granforte.

Melis’s singing belonged to the Italian dramatic soprano tradition, with vocal warmth, theatrical impulse and direct communication. Her artistry preserves a style close to the world for which Puccini wrote.

Her later teaching adds further weight to her historical importance. Melis is a voice from early recorded Puccini, but also a carrier of stage tradition into the next generation.