Kirsten Flagstad

Kirsten Flagstad (1895–1962) was a Norwegian dramatic soprano renowned for Wagnerian roles, especially Isolde and Brünnhilde. Her powerful, steady voice made her a defining Wagner interpreter of the twentieth century.

Wilhelm Furtwängler: German conductor known for his interpretations of Beethoven, Wagner, and other composers. He conducted Flagstad in celebrated Wagner performances, including recordings at the Bayreuth Festival.
Isolde: The Irish princess and central female character in Wagner's opera Tristan und Isolde. Flagstad's Isolde became one of her signature roles, especially opposite Lauritz Melchior.
Dramatic soprano: A soprano voice type characterized by substantial vocal weight and the power to carry over a large orchestra. Flagstad's voice exemplified the vocal scale needed for major Wagner roles.
Decca Records: A British record label known for classical music recordings and innovations in sound recording. Its sessions preserved Flagstad's late-career Wagner performances in high fidelity.
Lauritz Melchior: Danish-American tenor celebrated for heroic roles in Wagner operas. His Tristan formed a renowned stage partnership with Flagstad's Isolde at the Metropolitan Opera.
Brünnhilde: A Valkyrie who becomes Siegfried's beloved in Wagner's Ring cycle. Flagstad's performances made this demanding role central to her reputation.
Wagnerian soprano: A soprano specializing in roles by Richard Wagner that demand stamina, volume, and sustained dramatic expression. Flagstad became a benchmark for this demanding repertory.
The Great Singers of the Century: A series of recordings and reissues documenting prominent twentieth-century opera singers. Flagstad's recorded legacy remains accessible through collections of historic operatic performances.
Helen Traubel: American soprano known for Wagnerian roles at the Metropolitan Opera. She succeeded Flagstad as the Met's leading Wagner soprano during Flagstad's wartime absence.
Tristan und Isolde: Richard Wagner's opera about the doomed love of Tristan and Isolde. Flagstad's portrayal of Isolde is preserved in celebrated stage and recording performances.

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