Elena Gerhardt

Among the most significant singers from the twentieth hundred years, German mezzo-soprano Elena Gerhardt was most widely known on her behalf interpretations from the masterworks of Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, and Wolf. Her tone of voice had a pleasant warm middle register, however in her later on recordings the top register could, sometimes, turn severe. Her first recordings from 1908 screen the entire beauty of her tone of voice. Later recording classes displayed more exclusive areas of her artwork. The choices from Schubert’s Winterreise are specially fascinating. Her most significant recordings are those within the 1st level of discs released from the Hugo Wolf Culture. Probably, without her involvement in this task, it would not need obtained publication. She championed the music of Wolf from her first recitals and she nearly single-handedly brought his tracks to everyone. Gerhardt started her musical research in the Leipzig Conservatory at age 16, learning with Marie Hedmont. She shown such guarantee that the fantastic conductor Artur Nikisch followed her in her 1st public recital that was given on her behalf 20th birthday. In 1903 she produced her debut in the Leipzig Opera as Mignon in Thomas’ opera and later on sang Charlotte in Massenet’s Werther. Nevertheless, she quickly deserted the opera stage and focused her shows on recitals and concerts. A “Liederabend” with Gerhardt and Nikisch, who was simply frequently her partner in recital, became a significant event. In June 1906 she sang her 1st London recital and became among the 1st singers to produce a effective career in Britain without the advantage of essential operatic productions. Gerhardt produced Leipzig her house while carrying on to sing all over the world. Her NY debut emerged on January 9, 1912, within her UNITED STATES tour which once again highlighted Artur Nikisch as her partner. Her various other tours included trips to Spain, Russia, Holland, and Belgium. In 1932, she wedded Fritz Kohl, the movie director from the Leipzig Radio. When the Nazis found power, Kohl, along with most radio directors, was imprisoned. When he was finally released, he and Gerhardt made a decision to create London their long lasting home. From 1934 on, London became the guts of her musical actions. Her principal companions on the piano had been Artur Nikisch, Conrad Bos, and Gerald Moore, a formidable band of pianists. All accurate partners in getting song alive. She continued to provide recitals until 1953, but also became extremely well-known being a instructor. Her most well-known pupil was Flora Nielsen. In 1953 she composed her autobiography entitled Recital that includes a preface compiled by the fantastic pianist Dame Myra Hess.