Marie Friederike Schöder was a renowned German soprano who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on December 23, 1921, in Berlin, Germany, Schöder was the daughter of a music teacher and a pianist. Her parents recognized her musical talent at an early age and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Schöder began her musical training at the age of six, studying piano and violin. However, it was her singing that caught the attention of her teachers and peers. She began taking voice lessons and quickly developed a powerful and expressive voice. By the age of 16, Schöder had already made her debut as a soloist with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1941, Schöder was accepted into the Berlin State Opera, where she made her debut as the Queen of the Night in Mozart's "The Magic Flute." Her performance was met with critical acclaim, and she quickly became a favorite among audiences and critics alike. Schöder's voice was known for its clarity, agility, and range, which allowed her to perform a wide variety of roles, from the coloratura soprano parts in Mozart's operas to the dramatic roles in Wagner's works. Throughout her career, Schöder performed in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. She was also a regular performer at the Salzburg Festival, where she worked with some of the most renowned conductors and directors of her time. One of Schöder's most notable performances was her portrayal of the title role in Richard Strauss's "Salome." Her performance was praised for its intensity and emotional depth, and it cemented her reputation as one of the greatest sopranos of her generation. Schöder also had a close working relationship with conductor Herbert von Karajan, who conducted many of her performances and recordings. In addition to her work in opera, Schöder was also a prolific concert singer. She performed in recitals and concerts throughout Europe and the United States, and she was known for her interpretations of the works of Bach, Handel, and Schubert. Schöder also recorded extensively, and her recordings of Mozart's operas are considered some of the definitive versions of those works. Schöder's career was not without its challenges. She lived and worked during a time of great political upheaval in Germany, and her career was often affected by the political climate. She was briefly banned from performing in the United States during the McCarthy era, and she also faced criticism for her decision to continue performing in Germany during the Nazi regime. Despite these challenges, Schöder remained committed to her art and continued to perform well into her 70s. She was the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Order of Merit of Berlin and the Bavarian Order of Merit. In 1991, she was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, one of the country's highest honors. Marie Friederike Schöder passed away on December 23, 2017, at the age of 96. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century, and her recordings and performances continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

More....