Wie Todesahnung Dämmrung deckt die Lande / O du mein holder Abendstern – Joseph Schwarz, 1919

He was born in Riga to Jewish parents who had to bring up ten children. He grew up in poverty and became a young tailor but his vocal talent was soon discovered. He met a rich family who realized his potential and he was able to study singing with Adolf Robinson in Vienna. He made his debut at Linz in 1900 as Amonasro. Subsequently he toured with enormous success and returned to his home town Riga at the Imperial Opera in St. Petersburg. He was invited at the Vienna Volksoper and later he became member of the Imperial Vienna Opera where he remained an admired member of the ensemble from 1909 to 1915. After the sudden demise of the popular Leopold Demuth he had to take over the latter’s roles. Very soon triumphant acclaim followed, especially when he partnered Enrico Caruso, who often made guest appearances in Vienna. His repertory included roles such as Amfortas, Wanderer, Wolfram, Scarpia, Germont-père, Escamillo, Renato and Valentin. After a guest appearance in Berlin in 1915, the singer decided to terminate his contract with the Vienna Opera and moved to Berlin where he was hailed as “second Battistini.” He soon became one of the most splendid and popular members of the ensemble. His psychological study of Iago made theatre history in Berlin. In 1921 he toured the United States, and for several years he was associated with the Civic Opera Company in Chicago and was also immediately engaged at the Met. His singing was enhanced by his superb stage presence. His histrionic ability caused his style to be compared to Chaliapin’s! By the time of 1925 his voice was in decline. It was said that his addiction to alcohol and consequent failing health undermined his vocal technique. He died the following year of kidney desease.