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Karen Marie Flagstad was a Norwegian soprano who became one of the most celebrated classical music artists of the 20th century. Born on July 12, 1895, in Hamar, Norway, Flagstad grew up in a musical family. Her father, Michael Flagstad, was a conductor and her mother, Marie Flagstad, was a pianist. From a young age, Flagstad showed a natural talent for singing and began taking voice lessons at the age of 18. Flagstad's early career was marked by a series of setbacks. She made her debut in 1913 as Nuri in Eugen d'Albert's opera "Tiefland," but her performance was poorly received. She continued to perform in small roles in Norway and Sweden, but it wasn't until 1928 that she had her breakthrough performance as Sieglinde in Richard Wagner's "Die Walküre" at the National Theatre in Oslo. Flagstad's performance in "Die Walküre" was a turning point in her career. She was praised for her powerful voice and dramatic interpretation of the role. This led to a series of engagements in Germany, where she quickly became a favorite of audiences and critics alike. In 1932, she made her debut at the Bayreuth Festival, the annual festival dedicated to the music of Richard Wagner. Her performance as Isolde in "Tristan und Isolde" was a sensation and cemented her reputation as one of the greatest Wagnerian sopranos of her time. Flagstad's international career took off in the 1930s. She made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1935 as Sieglinde in "Die Walküre." Her performance was a triumph, and she quickly became a regular at the Met, performing in a wide range of roles, including Brünnhilde in "Die Walküre," Isolde in "Tristan und Isolde," and Elsa in "Lohengrin." Flagstad's career was interrupted by World War II. She returned to Norway in 1941 and was briefly imprisoned by the Nazi regime for her refusal to perform in Germany during the war. After the war, she resumed her international career, performing at the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. Flagstad's voice was known for its power, clarity, and beauty. She was particularly renowned for her performances of Wagner's music, which she approached with a deep understanding of the composer's intentions. Her interpretations of the roles of Brünnhilde and Isolde are considered definitive by many critics and music lovers. Flagstad received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. She was made a Commander of the Order of St. Olav by the Norwegian government in 1935 and was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1955. She was also awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Oslo, the University of Durham, and the University of Oxford. Flagstad retired from the stage in 1957, but continued to be active in the music world. She served as a judge for the Cardiff Singer of the World competition and was a mentor to many young singers. She also recorded extensively, leaving behind a rich legacy of recordings that showcase her remarkable voice and artistry. Karen Marie Flagstad died on December 7, 1962, in Oslo, Norway. She is remembered as one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century, whose powerful voice and dramatic interpretations of Wagner's music continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.

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