Description

ELISABETH REICHELT, NÉE SCHÄCH (COSWIG; FEBRUARY 7, 1910 – DRESDEN, MAY 7, 2001)

She received her training at the Dresden Academy of Music, studying in part under the pedagogue Werner Reichelt, whom she later married. She also worked with Kutzschbach, Hintze, and Staegemann. In 1936, she began her career at the Düsseldorf Opera House, where she made her debut as Sandrina in Mozart’s La finta giardiniera.

In 1939, she was appointed first coloratura soprano and successor to the renowned Erna Sack at the Dresden State Opera, where she remained a member until the end of her active singing career in 1970. There, she performed the entire coloratura repertoire from Mozart to Richard Strauss, while simultaneously maintaining a significant career as a concert and oratorio soprano. Her voice was especially admired for its phenomenal range.

She made highly successful guest appearances at the Vienna and Berlin State Operas, as well as in Munich, Amsterdam, and The Hague. The events of the war prevented her from pursuing an even more extensive international career. In 1962, she appeared at the Dresden State Opera in the world premiere of R. Hanell’s opera Dorian Gray.

Recordings were released on the DGG and HMV labels, including a duet with tenor Walther Ludwig. Additional broadcast recordings were made for BASF.

TRACKLIST

Die Spröde (Nick, Text Goethe, aus dem Film Hofkonzert) EG 3837 ORA 1690-2 Electrola, 1936

Gärtnerin aus Liebe (Mozart) Einsam im fernen Lande EG3988 0RA2044-2 HMV, Berlin 1937-05-01

Gärtnerin aus Liebe (Mozart) Wie du riefst mich (w. Ludwig) EG3988 0RA2043-2 HMV, Berlin 1937-05-01

Gasparone (Millöcker) Tarantelle EG3972 0RA2045-1 HMV, Berlin 1937-05-01

Vogelhändler (Zeller) Ich bin die Christel von der Post EG3972 0RA2046-2 HMV, Berlin 1937-05-01

Zauberflöte (Mozart) Der Hölle Rache 57117 1029½GE9 Grammophon, Berlin 1940-10-14

Zauberflöte (Mozart) O zittre nicht 57117 1028½GE9 Grammophon, Berlin 1940-10-14