Melchior
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Proper noun:
- In Christian tradition, one of the three Magi, or wise men, from the East who visited the infant Jesus, bringing a gift of gold. He is traditionally depicted as a king of Nubia and is often represented as an elderly man.
Proper noun:
- Lauritz Melchior (born 1890, died 1973), a celebrated Danish-American operatic tenor famous for his powerful performances in the heroic tenor roles of Richard Wagner's operas.
Examples of Usage
Proper noun (Biblical Magus):
- In the Nativity scene, Melchior is shown presenting his gift of gold.
- Tradition holds that Melchior was the oldest of the three wise men.
Proper noun (Person):
- Lauritz Melchior was considered the foremost Heldentenor of his generation.
- Many recordings of Wagner's operas feature the legendary voice of Melchior.
Advanced Usage
- The names of the Magi (Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar) are not found in the Biblical account but come from later Christian tradition and art.
- In artistic depictions, Melchior is often portrayed with a white beard, symbolizing age and wisdom.
Variants and Related Words
- Magi (plural noun): The group of wise men to which Melchior belongs. Also called the Three Kings or the Three Wise Men.
- Heldentenor (noun): A German term for a "heroic tenor," the voice type for which Lauritz Melchior was famous.
Synonyms
- (For the Biblical figure): Wise Man, Magus, King.
- (For the singer): Tenor, Wagnerian tenor, Heldentenor.
Related Idioms or Phrases
- The Three Wise Men/Kings: The collective term for Melchior and his companions, Caspar and Balthazar.
- The feast of Epiphany celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men.
Noun
- (New Testament) one of the three sages from the east who came bearing gifts for the infant Jesus; usually represented as a king of Nubia
- United States operatic tenor (born in Denmark) noted for his Wagnerian roles (1890-1973)