Role

:

Composer  

Birth

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March 20, 1890 in Copenhagen, Denmark

Death

:

March 18, 1973 in Santa Monica, CA

Genre

:

Opera

 

Lauritz Melchior was a Danish-American tenor who was widely regarded as one of the greatest Wagnerian singers of the 20th century. Born on March 20, 1890, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Melchior was the son of a successful wine merchant. He showed an early interest in music and began singing in the choir of the local church at the age of six. Melchior's talent was recognized early on, and he was sent to study at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen. He made his professional debut in 1913, singing the role of the Duke in Verdi's Rigoletto at the Royal Danish Opera. He quickly established himself as one of the leading tenors in Denmark, and in 1918 he was invited to sing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Melchior's debut at the Met was a huge success, and he quickly became one of the most popular singers in the company. He was particularly renowned for his performances in the operas of Richard Wagner, and he became known as the "King of the Wagnerian Tenors." He sang the role of Siegfried in Wagner's Ring Cycle more than 100 times at the Met, and he also performed in many other Wagner operas, including Tristan und Isolde, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, and Tannhäuser. Melchior's voice was powerful and rich, with a distinctive, ringing tone that was perfectly suited to Wagner's music. He was also a superb actor, and he brought a great deal of dramatic intensity to his performances. He was particularly renowned for his portrayal of Siegfried, which he played with a youthful energy and a sense of wonder that was unmatched by any other singer of his time. Melchior's career was interrupted by World War II, and he spent several years in Denmark during the German occupation. He continued to perform during this time, however, and he became a symbol of Danish resistance to the Nazi regime. After the war, he returned to the Met and continued to perform there until his retirement in 1950. Melchior was widely recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Dannebrog, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Danish citizen. He was also awarded the Légion d'honneur by the French government, and he was made an honorary member of the Royal Academy of Music in London. Melchior was known not only for his talent as a singer, but also for his generosity and kindness. He was beloved by his colleagues and fans alike, and he was known for his willingness to help young singers and musicians. He was also a devoted family man, and he was married to his wife Maria for more than 50 years. Lauritz Melchior died on March 19, 1973, in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 82. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest singers of his time, and his recordings and performances continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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