Rita Gorr

Rita Gorr was a powerhouse Belgian mezzo-soprano (and later dramatic soprano) who dominated the opera world in the mid-20th century with her rich, velvety voice and commanding stage presence. Born Marguerite Geirnaert in 1926, she became famous for her intense Wagner roles like Fricka in *Das Rheingold* and Ortrud in *Lohengrin*, as well as iconic Verdi parts like Amneris in *Aïda*—all featured in the releases listed. She thrived in French repertoire too, earning acclaim at Paris Opera and international houses like the Met and Bayreuth Festival. Her recordings with legends like conductor André Cluytens capture her fiery dramatic instincts and vocal heft.

Gorr’s career spanned over four decades, leaving a legacy as one of the great “singing actresses” of her time. Though she retired from the stage in the ’90s, her recordings of Wagner’s *Ring Cycle* and French arias (like those on *L’art français du chant*) remain benchmarks for their emotional depth and technical mastery. She passed away in 2012, but her voice—a blend of steel and velvet—still thrills opera fans chasing that golden-age intensity.

Genres

Opera

Latest Release

Gluck: Iphigénie en Tauride, Wq. 46

Christoph Willibald Gluck•

Rita Gorr•

Nicolai Gedda•

Georges Prêtre•

Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire

Album - 13 Tracks - Released January 12, 2024