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Fritzi JoklAustrian-American soprano
Date of Birth: 23.03.1895
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Fritzi Jokl: A Renowned Soprano's Journey
- Debut and Years at Frankfurt Opera
- European Opera Engagements
- International Acclaim and Jewish Persecution
- Later Life and Legacy
Fritzi Jokl: A Renowned Soprano's Journey
Early Life and Musical BeginningsFritzi Jokl was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1895. Her exceptional musical talent manifested from a young age, and she pursued music under the guidance of Mrs. Rosenthal-Ranner.
Debut and Years at Frankfurt Opera
Fritzi made her debut on the stage of the Frankfurt Opera, where she remained for the following five years. Initially performing boy roles, she went on to portray Rosina, Cherubino, Sophie, and numerous other soprano roles. Her rendition of Sophie in Richard Strauss's "Der Rosenkavalier" garnered widespread acclaim. She quickly rose to become one of Germany's most promising young opera singers.
European Opera Engagements
After Frankfurt, Jokl spent two seasons at the Opera of Darmstadt and a further two at the Volksoper in Berlin. In Berlin, she captivated audiences with her portrayals of Constanze, Norina, and Violetta. She also performed in Cologne and at the prestigious Covent Garden in London, where she portrayed the roles of the Naiad and Zerbinetta in Strauss's "Ariadne auf Naxos."
International Acclaim and Jewish Persecution
As Zerbinetta, Jokl achieved remarkable success in Munich. Her repertoire expanded to include Gilda, Nedda, Olympia, Marcellina, and Rosalinda. Her voice was described as "silvery sweet" and her acting as passionate and expressive. In 1932, she was invited to join Otto Klemperer's company at the Kroll Oper in Berlin, but political changes forced Klemperer to leave Germany, and Jokl never commenced her engagement.
Due to her Jewish heritage, Jokl was forced to flee Germany in 1937 and immigrated to the United States. She married writer and journalist Jack Siegel, but her hopes of continuing her opera career in America were ultimately unfulfilled.
Later Life and Legacy
Fritzi Jokl passed away on December 15, 1974. Today, her legacy lives on through recordings she made between 1924 and 1928. These recordings showcase her exquisite voice and impeccable artistry, serving as a testament to her immense talent and the impact she had on the opera world.
