Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (1915-2006) was a German-born soprano who is regarded as one of the greatest classical singers of the 20th century. Born in Jarotschin in the province of Posen in Prussia, she was a prominent figure in the operatic and concert settings, particularly known for her performances of works by Mozart, Schubert, Richard Strauss, and Hugo Wolf. Schwarzkopf's career took flight in the 1930s after her debut in Berlin, where she rapidly became a favorite with her crystalline voice, technical command, and interpretative gifts.

Schwarzkopf's association with conductor Herbert von Karajan and the Salzburg Festival helped solidify her reputation as a leading light in the operatic world. Her performances were characterized by an innate grace and the ability to imbue each role with a deep emotional truth. While her discography was extensive, she was particularly lauded for her recordings of the Strauss Four Last Songs and her embodiment of the Marschallin in "Der Rosenkavalier." Postwar, Schwarzkopf also became a renowned voice teacher, passing on her artistry to new generations of singers. Not without controversy due to her alignment with the Nazi Party during World War II, Schwarzkopf's legacy remains somewhat complicated; nonetheless, her musical accomplishments continue to be celebrated well beyond her passing.

Genres

Classical Soprano

Opera

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Luciano Pavarotti

Birgit Nilsson

Christa Ludwig

Maria Callas

Herbert von Karajan

Renata Tebaldi

Johann Strauss II

Plácido Domingo

Karl Böhm

Kiri Te Kanawa

Mirella Freni

Latest Release

Brahms: A German Requiem, Op. 45 (Remastered)

Johannes Brahms•

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf•

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau•

Philharmonia Orchestra•

Otto Klemperer

Album - 8 Tracks - Released February 1, 2024