Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

July 17, 1914 in Wheeling, WV

Death

:

October 3, 1990 in Langhorne, PA

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Eleanor Steber was an American soprano who was born on July 17, 1914, in Wheeling, West Virginia. She was the daughter of a railroad worker and a homemaker. Steber grew up in a musical family and began singing in church choirs at a young age. She attended West Liberty State College and later transferred to the Juilliard School in New York City, where she studied with Anna E. Schoen-René. Steber made her professional debut in 1940 with the San Francisco Opera, where she sang the role of Sophie in Richard Strauss's "Der Rosenkavalier." She quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice and expressive interpretations of classical music. In 1941, she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where she sang the role of Fiordiligi in Mozart's "Così fan tutte." Throughout her career, Steber performed in many of the world's leading opera houses, including La Scala in Milan, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Vienna State Opera. She was known for her performances of Mozart, Strauss, and Verdi, and was particularly admired for her portrayal of the title role in Richard Strauss's "Ariadne auf Naxos." In addition to her opera performances, Steber was also a frequent soloist with orchestras around the world. She worked with many of the leading conductors of her time, including Leonard Bernstein, Arturo Toscanini, and Fritz Reiner. She was particularly known for her performances of Gustav Mahler's symphonies, and her recording of Mahler's Fourth Symphony with the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Bruno Walter is considered a classic. Steber received many awards and honors throughout her career. In 1945, she was awarded the Prix de Rome by the American Academy in Rome, which allowed her to study in Italy for a year. She was also awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, and was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 1995. Despite her success, Steber's career was not without its challenges. She struggled with vocal problems throughout her career, and underwent several surgeries to correct them. She also faced discrimination as a woman in the male-dominated world of classical music, and was often criticized for her weight and appearance. Steber retired from performing in 1963, and spent the rest of her life teaching and mentoring young singers. She taught at the Juilliard School and the Cleveland Institute of Music, and was known for her dedication to her students and her commitment to preserving the traditions of classical music. Eleanor Steber died on October 3, 1990, at the age of 76. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century, and as a champion of classical music and its traditions. Her recordings and performances continue to inspire and influence generations of singers and musicians.

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