War Service cross for an opera singer...

[Chris Boonzaier]

Here is a ocument for a woman who was one of the most famous and critically acclaimed opera singers of the years between the wars.

She was one of less than 10 who sang in the highest Wagner circles in the 20s. She was not THE best, but google will find her....

[Chris Boonzaier]

2

[Hauptmann]

Hoping this helps. Got this from this site and if you go there there's a link to hear her sing -

http://www.cantabile...c_sopranos.html

Gertrude Kappel (1884 - 1971)

<P align=left>Biographical notes: Gertrude Kappel was born in Halle. Like Marta Fuchs, she began her studies as a contralto, but soon changed to a soprano, making her debut in 1907 as Leonore at the Hoftheater Hanover, where she was engaged until 1921. From the beginning of her career she concentrated on dramatic roles. From 1922 - 1927 she was engaged by Richard Strauss at the Vienna Staatsoper where she became an admired member of the company. At Covent Garden she appeared from 1912 - 1914 and returned in 1924 - 1926. Her roles included Brünnhilde, Isolde, Sieglinde, Senta, the Marschallin and Elektra, as well as a few roles of the Italian and French repertory. In London Gertrude Kappel faced strong competition with the great Frida Leider. She appeared at the Salzburg Festival, where she sang Donna Anna (1922) and at the Munich State Opera from 1927 - 1931. She made her Metropolitan debut in 1928 as Isolde, subsequently singing her most important roles: Ortrud, Fricka, Brünnhilde, the Marschallin and Elektra (first Metropolitan performance in 1932). Her art was unfortunately overshadowed by the singing of Kirsten Flagstad and Marjorie Lawrence. She repeated Isolde at San Francisco in 1933 and retired in 1937. She died in her home near Munich in 1971.

As Brünnhilde in "Die Walküre"

As Octavian

As Elektra

Charles B. Mintzer (pictures)

[Chris Boonzaier]

As she was at the Munich State Opera in the period old one ball was, and he was a Wagner fanatic, it is possible maybe even probable that he saw her sing.

Not that it makes the docs better, just an interesting thought.

[Chip]

Chris,

You come up with the most interesting stuff. Thanks for enlightening us.

Chip

[Chris Boonzaier]

Since I bought this a lot of her has been put up on Youtube....

[Chris Boonzaier]

Born in Halle, Germany, she studied at the Conservatory in Leipzig; during her studies her voice changed from contralto to soprano. She made her debut (1903) at the Hannover Opera as Leonore in Fidelio and remained there until 1924. Her voice soon became a dramatic soprano and she earned great renown as a Wagner singer. She was a member of the Vienna State Opera (1924-29) and was greatly admired there. She was engaged at the Munich State Opera (1929-32), Guest appearances brought her additional fame, particularly in Wagner parts; she appeared at Covent Garden, in Berlin, Hamburg, and Amsterdam. She was a member of the Metropolitan Opera (1927-36). She had a sumptuously textured voice, and her dramatic ability was very impressive, particularly in such roles as Brunnhilde and Isolde.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Italian as well...

[Chris Boonzaier]

Here is one for the Movie Buffs..... think Vietnam and Robert Duval!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SU3FdsJrXo