Frieda Hempel

Frieda Hempel was a German soprano who lit up the classical music scene in the early 20th century with her dazzling coloratura voice and magnetic stage presence. Born in Leipzig in 1885, she became a star of both opera and concert halls, earning praise for her performances in roles like the Queen of the Night in Mozart’s *The Magic Flute* and Violetta in Verdi’s *La Traviata*. She made her mark at major venues like Berlin’s Royal Opera and New York’s Metropolitan Opera, where she debuted in 1912. Known for her crystal-clear high notes and expressive phrasing, Hempel also championed lieder (art songs) and worked closely with composers like Richard Strauss. After retiring from opera in the 1920s, she focused on concerts and became one of the earliest classical artists to embrace recording technology, leaving behind a treasure trove of tracks that showcase her agile, sparkling vocals. Her legacy lives on through these historic recordings, which capture the elegance and technical brilliance that made her a beloved figure of the Golden Age of Opera.

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