Friedrich Schorr was a powerhouse bass-baritone who ruled the Wagnerian opera world during the early 20th century. Born in 1888 in Nagyvárad (now Oradea, Romania), this Hungarian-Austrian singer became legendary for his commanding portrayals of mythic characters like Wotan in *Die Walküre* and Hans Sachs in *Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg*. His rich, resonant voice and dramatic intensity made him a star at Bayreuth Festival performances and the Metropolitan Opera, where he wowed audiences from 1924 through the 1930s.
Though his stage career wrapped up in the 1940s, Schorr’s legacy lives on through historical recordings like *Heroes and Heroines of Bayreuth* and the *Lebendige Vergangenheit* series, which capture his vocal grandeur. After retiring from performing, he shared his expertise as a teacher at institutions like Juilliard, helping shape the next generation of opera greats. His interpretations remain a gold standard for Wagnerian roles – a true titan of the operatic golden age.
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