Open Features: Elizabeth Schumann
Peter Wintersgill outlines the musical career of Elizabeth Schumann, one of the best-loved singers of her day.
Born
13th. June 1888 in Merseburg, Germany.
Adolescence
Studied in Berlin, Dresden and Hamburg.
Adult life
Opera debut Hamburg 1907, there till 1916. New York Met debut 1924 as Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier, sang in Vienna 1919-37, Covent Garden 1924-31. Toured U.S.A. 1921 with Richard Strauss as accompanist.
One of the best loved singers of her day, she was a notable interpreter of Schubert, Schumann and Strauss lieder, also of various Mozart roles, for example Susanna and Zerlina. She was a memorable Adele in Die Fleidermaus.
She settled in the USA in 1936 and taught at the Curtis Institute there.
