Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Symphony

 

Elfriede Trötschel was a German soprano who was born on October 18, 1923, in the city of Dresden. She was the daughter of a music teacher and grew up in a family that was passionate about music. Her father recognized her talent at an early age and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Trötschel began her musical education at the Dresden Conservatory, where she studied under the guidance of the renowned soprano Maria Ivogün. She made her debut in 1943 at the Dresden State Opera, where she performed the role of Barbarina in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." Her performance was well-received, and she quickly became a rising star in the opera world. In 1944, Trötschel was drafted into the German army and was sent to the Eastern Front. She was captured by the Soviet army and spent several years in a prisoner-of-war camp. During her captivity, she continued to sing and perform for her fellow prisoners, which helped to lift their spirits and keep them motivated. After the war, Trötschel returned to Dresden and resumed her career as an opera singer. She quickly regained her popularity and began performing in major opera houses throughout Europe. In 1949, she made her debut at the Bayreuth Festival, where she performed the role of the Woodbird in Wagner's "Siegfried." Her performance was highly praised, and she was invited back to the festival for several more seasons. Trötschel's career continued to flourish throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She performed in many of the world's leading opera houses, including the Vienna State Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. She was particularly renowned for her performances in Mozart's operas, and she became known as one of the leading interpreters of the composer's music. Trötschel was also a prolific recording artist, and she made many recordings of operas, lieder, and oratorios. Her recordings of Mozart's operas, in particular, are considered to be some of the finest ever made. She also recorded several albums of German lieder, which showcased her beautiful voice and her ability to convey emotion through her singing. Throughout her career, Trötschel received many awards and honors for her contributions to the world of classical music. In 1955, she was awarded the National Prize of East Germany for her outstanding achievements in music. She was also awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1973, and she was made an honorary member of the Vienna State Opera in 1983. Trötschel retired from performing in 1988, after a career that spanned more than four decades. She continued to be involved in the music world, however, and she served as a mentor and teacher to many young singers. She also wrote several books about her experiences as an opera singer, including her autobiography, "My Life in Music." Elfriede Trötschel passed away on February 6, 2017, at the age of 93. She was remembered as one of the greatest sopranos of her generation, and her contributions to the world of classical music will continue to be celebrated for many years to come.

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