Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Symphony

 

Hilde Rössl-Majdan was a renowned Austrian contralto who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on December 22, 1918, in Vienna, Austria, Hilde 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. Hilde began her musical training at the Vienna Music Academy, where she studied under the guidance of the famous Austrian contralto, Margarete Teschemacher. She made her debut in 1942 at the Vienna State Opera, where she performed the role of Erda in Richard Wagner's "Das Rheingold." Her performance was well-received, and she soon became a regular performer at the Vienna State Opera. In 1946, Hilde joined the Vienna Volksoper, where she performed in a variety of operas, including "Carmen," "Don Giovanni," and "The Marriage of Figaro." Her performances were highly acclaimed, and she quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented contraltos of her time. Hilde's international career began in 1949 when she was invited to perform at the Salzburg Festival. She performed the role of Erda in Wagner's "Siegfried," and her performance was a huge success. She was invited back to the Salzburg Festival for several years, where she performed in a variety of operas, including "The Magic Flute," "Don Giovanni," and "The Marriage of Figaro." In 1951, Hilde made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where she performed the role of Amneris in Verdi's "Aida." Her performance was highly praised, and she soon became a regular performer at the Metropolitan Opera. She also performed at other major opera houses around the world, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. Hilde's repertoire was extensive, and she was known for her performances in the works of Richard Wagner, Richard Strauss, and Gustav Mahler. She was particularly renowned for her performances in Wagner's "Ring Cycle," where she performed the roles of Erda and Waltraute. Throughout her career, Hilde received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the world of classical music. In 1953, 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 Republic of Austria in 1968. Hilde retired from the stage in 1973, but she continued to teach and mentor young singers. She was a professor of voice at the Vienna Music Academy from 1973 to 1989, where she trained many successful singers, including Angelika Kirchschlager and Elisabeth Kulman. Hilde Rössl-Majdan passed away on December 31, 1993, at the age of 75. She left behind a legacy as one of the most talented contraltos of her time, and her contributions to the world of classical music will always be remembered.

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