Description

MELITTA HEIM (VIENNA, 7 JANUARY, 1888 – LONDON, 7 JANUARY, 1950)

 

 

 

 

She began her vocal training under Johannes Ress in Vienna, and she made her stage debut in 1909 at the Municipal Theatre of Graz, portraying Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto. Her career quickly gained momentum, and in 1911, following a successful guest appearance as Violetta in La Traviata, she was engaged by the Frankfurt Opera, where she performed until 1916.

During her early career, she made notable guest appearances at prestigious venues, including the Vienna Court Opera, where her performances were highly praised. In 1912 and 1914, she performed as the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute at London’s Drury Lane Theatre, showcasing her extraordinary vocal range and technical precision in this demanding role.

Her success continued through the 1917-1922 seasons at the Vienna State Opera, where she became one of the most celebrated sopranos of the period. However, in 1922, she suffered a severe nervous breakdown that forced her to retire from the stage. Despite her early departure from operatic performance, she continued to make appearances in concert halls.

In 1938, facing the political and social upheaval of the time, she moved to England with her mother. In London, she dedicated herself to teaching, where she was active as a vocal instructor, passing on her knowledge and expertise to a new generation of singers.

 

Chronology of some appearances

 

1909 Graz Municipal Theatre

1911-1916 Frankfurt a. M. Opera House

1912 London Drury Lane Theatre Magic flute (Queen of the Night)

1914 London Drury Lane Theatre Magic flute (Queen of the Night)

1917-1922 Vienna State Opera

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

1. Contes d’Hoffmann (Offenbach): Puppenarie XX76579 xxB6189 Odeon, Berlin 1914
2. Zauberflöte (Mozart): O zitt’re nicht test, unpubl? xxB6041 Odeon, Berlin 1913
3. Rigoletto (Verdi): Liebe ist Seligkeit (w. Hutt) XX80110 xxB6203 Odeon, Berlin 1914
4. Mignon (Thomas): Polonaise XX76463 xxB6043 Odeon, Berlin 1913
5. Carmen (Bizet): Ich seh’ die Mutter dort (w. Hutt) XX80107 xxB6204 Odeon, Berlin 1914
6. Frühlingsstimmen-Walzer (Strauss) XX76359 xxB5833 Odeon, Berlin 1913
7. Dorfschwalben aus Österreich (Strauss) XX76358 xxB5832 Odeon, Berlin 1913
8. Martha (Flotow): Duett (w. Hutt) XX80108 xxB6201 Odeon, Berlin 1914
9. Martha (Flotow): Letzte Rose (w. Hutt) XX80109 xxB6202 Odeon, Berlin 1914
10. Lakmé (Delibes): Glöckchen-Arie XX76360 xxB5834 Odeon, Berlin 1913
11. Contes d’Hoffmann (Offenbach): Puppenarie XX76579 xxB6189 Odeon, Berlin 1914
12. Peer Gynt (Grieg): Solveigs Lied XX76580 xxB6205 Odeon, Berlin 1914
13. Ballo in maschera (Verdi): Pagenarie BA 28121 Edison 4-min cylinders, Berlin 1911?
14. Traviata (Verdi): s’ ist seltsam XX76356 xB5830 Odeon, Berlin 1913
15. Traviata (Verdi): O Torheit XX76357 xxB5831 Odeon, Berlin 1913
16. Rigoletto (Verdi): Gualtier Maldè!…Teurer Name 703-B Edison, London 1911
17. Barbiere di Siviglia (Rossini): Cavatine, pt 1 XX76471 xxB6044 Odeon, Berlin 1913
18. Barbiere di Siviglia (Rossini): Cavatine, pt 2 XX76472 xxB6045 Odeon, Berlin 1913
19. Roméo et Juliette (Gounod): Walzer XX76355 xxB5829 Odeon, Berlin 1913