Open Features: Lotte Lehmann
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Lotte Lehmann, one of the leading sopranos of her time.
Born
27th. February 1888 in Perleberg, Germany.
Adult life
Studied in Berlin, then sang in Hamburg, debut there as third boy in Der Zauberflote 1909. Moved to Vienna 1914, stayed till 1938, singing Strauss' Composer & Marschallin, & Wagner's Eva & Elsa, also in Mozart, Puccini & Beethoven. Created roles of the Composer in Strauss' Ariadne auf Naxos (1916),Dyer's Wife in Die Frau ohne Schatten (1919) & Christine in Intermezzo (Dresden 1924). First Vienna Arabella 1933, London debut as Sophie, Covent Garden debut as Marshallin 1924, also sang Mozart's Countess & Beethoven's Leonore. Chicago debut 1930 & Met debut 1934 as Sieglinde. Settled in Santa Barbara 1938, established School of Singing there, Sang last Marshallin at San Francisco 1946, farewell recital New York 1951, the year she retired, then was teaching Santa Barbara & London.
One of the leading sopranos of her time, her lovely voice was matched by a vivid personality & theatrical gift.
She died 26th August 1976 in Santa Barbara aged 88.
