Leontyne Price

Leontyne Price is an acclaimed American soprano, known for her rich tone, dramatic prowess, and musical versatility. Born on February 10, 1927, in Laurel, Mississippi, Mary Violet Leontyne Price rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, becoming one of the first African Americans to become a leading performer at the Metropolitan Opera, and one of the most celebrated classical singers of her generation. Price's career has spanned a wide range of operatic roles, from Verdi and Puccini to Mozart, and her recording catalog reflects her ability to masterfully convey the emotional depth of these diverse repertoires.

Price's artistry has been immortalized in numerous recordings, from full operas like "Verdi: Il trovatore"—which showcases her powerful interpretation of Verdi's dramatic heroines—to intimate renditions of spirituals and religious songs, as heard on "Singers of the Century: Leontyne Price – Spiritual and Religious Songs." Her voice, celebrated for its shimmering beauty and thrilling high notes, has drawn audiences worldwide, earning her a reputation as a soprano of unparalleled expressive abilities. Even after her formal retirement from the opera stage in the 1980s, Price's influential recordings continue to captivate new generations of music lovers, cementing her legacy as a pivotal figure in the history of opera.

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