Description

WANDA ACHSEL (BERLIN, 12 OCTOBER, 1886 † VIENNA, 3 AUGUST, 1977)

 

 

 

 

The soprano in question was a notable figure in the opera world, renowned for her versatility and powerful voice. She studied under the Berlin vocal pedagogue Laura Détschy, which laid the foundation for her successful career. In 1910, she made her operatic debut at the Berlin Sommer-Oper as Elsa in Wagner’s Lohengrin. Her talent quickly gained recognition, and she was engaged by the Stadttheater in Würzburg for the 1910-1912 seasons.

Her career progressed as she joined the Opernhaus of Cologne from 1912 to 1923, where she became a celebrated soprano. During her time in Cologne, she performed in several important premieres, including Humperdinck’s Königskinder, Liszt’s Die heilige Elisabeth, and Richard Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier. These performances established her reputation as a leading soprano of her time.

In 1923, she joined the prestigious Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper), where she remained until 1939. Her tenure at the Vienna State Opera was marked by significant performances, including the challenging title role in the premiere of Franz Schmidt’s opera Fredegundis in 1923. She also performed at the Salzburg Festival in 1926, where she portrayed Rosalinde in Strauss’s Die Fledermaus.

Her repertoire was extensive, featuring roles such as Cio-Cio-San in Madama Butterfly, Mimì in La Bohème, Desdemona in Otello, Elsa in Lohengrin, Elisabeth in Tannhäuser, Sieglinde in Die Walküre, Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier, and Marie in Wozzeck. In 1935, she performed in the premiere of Franz Salmhofer’s Die Dame im Traum at the Vienna State Opera, and in 1937, she participated in the premiere of Bernhard Paumgartner’s Rossini in Neapel.

Her personal life was also connected to the opera world; she was married to tenor Hans Clemens (1890-1958) until 1933, whom she had met during her engagement in Cologne. After retiring from the stage, she dedicated herself to teaching singing in Vienna, passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of singers. Her contributions to opera and her distinguished performances remain a significant part of operatic history.

 

Chronology of some appearances

 

1910 Berlin Sommer-Oper

1910-1912 Würzburg Stadttheater

1912-1923 Cologne Opernhaus

1923-1939 Wien Staatsoper

TRACKLIST

 

 

HMV, Wien 1929-06-04

1. Königskinder (Humperdinck): Vater, Mütter hier will ich knien AM2181 (29-943006)

2. Es ist alles wie ein wunderbarer Garten (Ast) AM2181 (29-943007)

3. Fliegende Holländer (Wagner): Ballade der Senta AM2182 (29-943008)

4. Zigeunerliebe (Lehár): War einst ein Mädel AM2183 (29-943010)

 

HMV, Wien 1929-06-05

5. Trovatore (Verdi): Es glänzte schon das Sternenheer  AM2182 (29-943009)

6. Zigeunerbaron (Strauss): So elend und so true AM2183 (29-943011)

 

HMV, Wien 1929-09-13

7. Eine Nacht in Venedig (Strauss): Kommt und kauft AM2330 (70-614)

8. Eine Nacht in Venedig (Strauss): Versäume nicht die Stund’ AM2330 (70-615)

9. Eine Nacht in Venedig (Strauss): Hör’ mich, Annina (w. Gallos) AM2415 (70-703)