Lauritz Melchior's departure from the Metropolitan Opera was due to a dispute with new General Manager Rudolf Bing, stemming from Melchior's desire for artistic influence and Bing's attempt to discipline him.
Performer Biography
Lauritz Melchior kept meticulous records of all his stage and concert performances, including casts and fees, in what he called his "main ledger."
Performer Biography
Lauritz Melchior performed a total of 972 Wagnerian roles throughout his career, with 106 of those being Lohengrin.
Performer Biography
Lauritz Melchior, the tenor performing Lohengrin, made his official operatic debut in 1913 as a baritone, singing roles like Silvio in Pagliacci.
Performer Biography
Lauritz Melchior sang baritone roles until 1918, when he re-studied as a tenor and sang his first Wagner lead as Tannhäuser.
Recording & Production
This recording captures Lauritz Melchior's last complete stage broadcast and his penultimate performance at the Metropolitan Opera, on January 7, 1950.
Critical Reception
When Lauritz Melchior died in 1973, his death was widely reported with banner headlines praising him as a unique Heldentenor, even though his operatic career had ended over 20 years prior.
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