Birth

:

December 28, 1891 in Milan, Italy

Death

:

January 21, 1980 in Milan, Italy

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Elvira de Hidalgo was a renowned soprano and vocal teacher who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. She was born on December 28, 1891, in the city of Graz, Austria, to a Spanish father and an Austrian mother. Her father was a musician, and her mother was a singer, which influenced her interest in music from a young age. Hidalgo began her musical training at the Graz Conservatory, where she studied piano and voice. She later moved to Vienna to continue her studies at the Vienna Conservatory, where she was a student of the famous soprano, Lilli Lehmann. Hidalgo's talent was evident from an early age, and she quickly gained recognition for her exceptional vocal abilities. In 1912, Hidalgo made her professional debut at the Vienna State Opera, where she performed the role of the Queen of the Night in Mozart's "The Magic Flute." Her performance was a huge success, and she quickly became a sought-after performer in Europe. She went on to perform in many of the world's leading opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. One of Hidalgo's most significant performances was her portrayal of Violetta in Verdi's "La Traviata." Her interpretation of the role was highly acclaimed, and she became known for her ability to convey the emotional depth of the character. She also performed in many other operas, including Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" and "Tosca," and Mozart's "Don Giovanni." In addition to her successful career as a performer, Hidalgo was also a highly respected vocal teacher. She taught at the Vienna Music Academy and later at the Athens Conservatory, where she trained many successful singers, including Maria Callas. Hidalgo's teaching style was based on the bel canto technique, which emphasizes the beauty and purity of the voice. Hidalgo received many awards and honors throughout her career, including the title of Kammersängerin from the Austrian government in 1924. She was also awarded the Gold Medal of the City of Vienna in 1956 and the Grand Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria in 1961. Hidalgo continued to perform and teach until her death on January 21, 1980, in Athens, Greece. Her legacy lives on through her recordings and the many singers she trained, who continue to perform and teach around the world. In conclusion, Elvira de Hidalgo was a highly talented soprano and vocal teacher who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her exceptional vocal abilities and emotional depth as a performer, combined with her dedication to teaching, have left a lasting impact on the world of opera. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence singers and musicians around the world.

More....