Elisabeth Schwarzkopf

Date of Birth: December 9, 1915

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: August 3, 2006

Biography

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was a renowned German-born Austrian-British soprano who became one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 20th century. Born on December 9, 1915, in Jarotschin, then part of the German Empire (now in Poland), Schwarzkopf’s career spanned several decades, during which she gained fame for her interpretations of Mozart, Strauss, and other composers. She studied at the Berlin Hochschule für Musik and made her professional debut in 1938 at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. In the post-World War II era, she performed at some of the most prestigious opera houses around the world, including the Vienna State Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Schwarzkopf was also known for her extensive recordings, which earned her numerous awards and accolades. Her marriage to the influential recording producer Walter Legge in 1953 was pivotal in shaping her recording career. She retired from the stage in 1979 and spent her later years teaching and mentoring young opera singers. Elisabeth Schwarzkopf passed away on August 3, 2006, in Schruns, Austria.

5 Interesting Facts about Elisabeth Schwarzkopf

1. Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992, receiving the title Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).

2. She was one of the first artists to be signed by the legendary record label EMI, thanks to her husband Walter Legge’s influence.

3. Schwarzkopf’s recording of Richard Strauss’s “Four Last Songs” is often cited as one of the definitive interpretations of the work.

4. In addition to her operatic career, she was highly regarded as a lieder singer, particularly for her performances of works by Schubert, Schumann, and Wolf.

5. Schwarzkopf’s extensive discography includes over 300 recordings, many of which are still highly regarded and frequently reissued.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Elisabeth Schwarzkopf

1. “The voice is a wild thing. It can’t be bred in captivity.”

2. “Every note has to be as beautiful as a pearl.”

3. “Technique is what you fall back on when you run out of inspiration.”

4. “Singing is an expression of the soul. It must come from the heart.”

5. “Art is not a pastime but a duty.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of her career, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf’s net worth was estimated to be in the range of $10 million, largely due to her successful recording and performing career.