Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Symphony

 

 

Vocal

 

Desi Halban was a renowned classical music artist who was born on January 18, 1912, in Vienna, Austria. She was born to a family of musicians, and her father was a well-known conductor. From a young age, Desi showed a keen interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of six. She later switched to singing and began taking voice lessons. Desi's talent was evident from a young age, and she quickly gained recognition for her exceptional voice. She made her debut at the Vienna State Opera in 1933, where she performed the role of the Queen of the Night in Mozart's "The Magic Flute." Her performance was well-received, and she soon became a regular performer at the Vienna State Opera. In 1936, Desi was invited to perform at the Salzburg Festival, where she performed the role of Zerbinetta in Richard Strauss's "Ariadne auf Naxos." Her performance was a huge success, and she received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the character. This performance marked the beginning of Desi's international career, and she soon began performing in major opera houses around the world. Desi's career continued to flourish throughout the 1940s and 1950s. She performed in numerous operas, including Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro," Verdi's "La Traviata," and Puccini's "Madama Butterfly." She also performed in concerts and recitals, where she showcased her exceptional vocal range and versatility. One of Desi's most notable performances was her portrayal of the title role in Richard Strauss's "Salome" at the Royal Opera House in London in 1949. Her performance was widely regarded as one of the greatest performances of the role, and she received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the complex character. Desi's talent was not limited to opera and classical music. She also appeared in several films, including the 1948 film "The Red Shoes," where she played the role of a ballet dancer. Her performance in the film was well-received, and she was praised for her acting skills as well as her singing. Throughout her career, Desi received numerous awards and accolades for her exceptional talent. In 1951, she was awarded the title of Kammersängerin by the Austrian government, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a singer in Austria. She was also awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1965 for her contributions to music. Desi's career continued to flourish well into the 1960s, but she eventually retired from performing in 1967. She continued to teach voice and mentor young singers until her death on January 12, 1996, at the age of 83. Desi Halban was a true icon of classical music, and her exceptional talent and contributions to the art form will always be remembered. Her legacy continues to inspire young singers around the world, and her recordings and performances remain a testament to her exceptional talent and artistry.

More....