Description

LEO SLEZAK (ŠUMPERK, CZECH REPUBLIC, 18 AUGUST, 1873 – ROTTACH-EGERN, GERMANY, 1 JUNE, 1946)

 

 

 

 

He began his career modestly, singing as an amateur in the choir of the local theater in Brünn (now Brno, Czech Republic), where his talent caught the attention of baritone Adolf Robinson. With Robinson’s encouragement, Slezak pursued formal vocal training.

In 1896, Slezak made his professional stage debut in Brünn, performing the role of Lohengrin, a part he would become renowned for. His rich voice, dramatic presence, and versatility quickly established him as one of the foremost tenors of his time, particularly in the Wagnerian repertoire. Over his illustrious career, Slezak performed in many of Europe’s leading opera houses, including the Vienna State Opera and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

In addition to his operatic achievements, Slezak was also known for his charismatic stage personality, and later in life, he appeared in films, further showcasing his multifaceted talents.

 

Chronology of some appearances

 

1896 Brünn (Brno) Stadttheater

1898 Berlin Hofoper

1899-1901 Wroclaw Opernhaus

1900 London Covent Garden

1901-1912 Vienna Hofoper

1901 Prague Deutschen Theater

1902 Zurich Stadttheater

1905 Brünn (Brno) Stadttheater

1905 Milan La Scala

1907 Lvov (Lwów) Opera

1907 Vienna Hofoper

1909 London Covent Garden

1909 Vienna Volksoper

1909 Paris Théâtre Châtelet

1910 Vienna Hofoper

1910 New York Metropolitan Opera

1910 New York Metropolitan Opera

1910 Boston Opera Otello (Otello)

1910 Boston Opera Trovatore (Manrico)

1911 New York Metropolitan Opera

1912 New York Metropolitan Opera

1912 Frankfurt a. M. Oper

1916 Dresden  Hofoper

1917 Frankfurt a. M. Oper

1917-1934 Vienna Hofoper

1918 Budapest

1920 Copenhagen

1920-1921 Stockholm

1922 Basel Stadttheater

1929 Berlin

1933 Vienna Hofoper

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

1. Aida (Verdi) Celeste Aida B154, 40004 Edison 4-min cylinders, New York 1908-11
2. Aida (Verdi) Morir si pura e bella B157 40007 Edison 4-min cylinders, New York 1908-11
3. Bohème (Puccini) Wie eiskalt ist dies Händchen B158, 40008 Edison 4-min cylinders, New York 1908-11
4. Der Lenz (Hildach) 40034 Edison, Paris 1910-08
5. Faust (Gounod) Gegrüsst sei mir 40041 Edison, Paris 1910-08
6. Huguenots (Meyerbeer) Bianca al par B150, 40000 Edison 4-min cylinders, New York 1908-11
7. Lohengrin (Wagner) Schwannlied und Abschied B159, 40009 Edison 4-min cylinders, New York 1908-11
8. Meistersinger von Nürnberg (Wagner) Preislied 40038 Edison, Paris 1910-08
9. Otello (Verdi) Niun mi tema B153, 40003 Edison 4-min cylinders, New York 1908-11
10. Otello (Verdi) Ora e per sempre addio B156, 40006 Edison 4-min cylinders, New York 1908-11
11. Tannhäuser (Wagner) Loblied des Venus B151, 40001 Edison 4-min cylinders, New York 1908-11
12. Tosca (Puccini) E lucevan le stelle B155, 40005, Edison 4-min cylinders, New York 1908-11