Lauritz Melchior

Trivia

• Danish opera star who briefly became a musical character player for MGM in his twilight years.
• Debuted at the Metropolitan Opera with Tannhauser.
• Known for his incredibly high tenor and long-running performances as the bold-faced hero of composer Richard Wagner's best known, long-haired operas -- including Tristan and Isolde (223), Tannhauser (144), Die Walkure (183), Lohengrin (106), Siegfried (128), and Parsifal (81).
• Often partnered with American soprano Helen Traubel.
• He was the most famous Wagnerian tenor of his time, although he did record arias from other operas such as "Otello" and "I Pagliacci". He sang with both of the leading Wagnerian sopranos of the era, Kirsten Flagstad and Helen Traubel.
• Recorded some Wagner arias and duets with Ms. Traubel and conductor Arturo Toscanini.
• Although an acclaimed tenor in his later professional career, he made his debut at the Royal Opera House in Copenhagen as a baritone in "Pagliacci".
• He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1718 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.