Claire Dux was a renowned soprano opera singer who was born on August 25, 1885, in Budapest, Hungary. She was born into a family of musicians, and her father was a well-known violinist. From a young age, Dux showed a keen interest in music and began taking singing lessons at the age of 12. Dux's talent was quickly recognized, and she was accepted into the Budapest Conservatory at the age of 16. She studied under some of the most prominent voice teachers of the time, including Lilli Lehmann and Mathilde Marchesi. Dux's hard work and dedication paid off, and she made her professional debut in 1906 at the Budapest Opera House in the role of Rosina in Rossini's "The Barber of Seville." Dux's performance was a huge success, and she quickly became one of the most sought-after sopranos in Europe. She went on to perform in some of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. One of Dux's most notable performances was in the role of Violetta in Verdi's "La Traviata." Her performance was praised for its emotional depth and technical skill, and it cemented her reputation as one of the greatest sopranos of her time. Dux also had a successful career as a concert singer, performing in recitals and with orchestras around the world. In addition to her successful performing career, Dux was also a dedicated teacher. She taught at the Vienna Music Academy and the Salzburg Mozarteum, and her students included some of the most prominent singers of the next generation, including Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and Hilde Gueden. Dux's career was not without its challenges, however. She was forced to flee Europe during World War II and spent several years in the United States, where she continued to perform and teach. She eventually returned to Europe in 1947 and resumed her career, but her health began to decline in the 1950s. Despite her declining health, Dux continued to perform and teach until her death on February 6, 1967, in Salzburg, Austria. She was 81 years old. Throughout her career, Dux received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the world of classical music. She was awarded the title of Kammersängerin by the Austrian government in 1924, and she was made an honorary member of the Vienna State Opera in 1955. In 1960, she was awarded the Grand Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria. Dux's legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century continues to be celebrated today. Her recordings are still widely available, and her influence can be heard in the performances of countless singers who have followed in her footsteps.

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