 |
Jarmila NovotnaCzech soprano and actress
Date of Birth: 23.09.1907
|
Content:
- Jarmila Novotná: A Czech Soprano and Actress
- Early Career in Europe
- Departure from Germany and Success in Vienna
- International Recognition and Debut at the MET
- Metropolitan Opera Star
- Film Career
- Legacy
Jarmila Novotná: A Czech Soprano and Actress
Early Life and EducationJarmila Novotná was born on September 23, 1907, in Prague, Czech Republic. She studied under the renowned soprano Emmy Destinn and made her operatic debut at the Prague Opera House on June 28, 1925, as Mařenka in Bedřich Smetana's "The Bartered Bride."
Early Career in Europe
In 1926, Novotná sang Gilda in Verdi's "Rigoletto" alongside Italian tenor Giacomo Lauri-Volpi at the Verona Arena. She also performed in Naples at the Teatro San Carlo as Adina in Donizetti's "L'elisir d'amore" with the acclaimed Tito Schipa. In 1929, she joined the Kroll Opera in Berlin, where she sang a range of leading roles, including Violetta, Manon Lescaut, and Madama Butterfly.
Departure from Germany and Success in Vienna
In 1933, Novotná premiered the female lead in Jaromír Weinberger's operetta "Frühlingsstürme" at the Admiralspalast in Berlin alongside Richard Tauber. With the rise of Nazism, both Novotná and Tauber left Germany, and she settled in Vienna in 1934. There, she again collaborated with Tauber in the premiere of Franz Lehár's last operetta, "Giuditta." Her success in the title role led to a contract with the Vienna State Opera, where she received the prestigious title of Kammersängerin.
International Recognition and Debut at the MET
In 1937, Novotná performed Pamina in Mozart's "The Magic Flute" at the Salzburg Festival, conducted by Arturo Toscanini. On January 5, 1940, she made her triumphant debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City as Mimì in Puccini's "La Bohème."
Metropolitan Opera Star
At the MET, Novotná sang 12 other roles, including Eurydice, Violetta, Cherubino, Manon, Mařenka, Donna Elvira, Pamina, Octavian, Antonia, Freia, Mélisande, and Prince Orlofsky in "Die Fledermaus." Prince Orlofsky became her farewell role at the MET on January 15, 1956. She gave a total of 208 performances at the MET, with 103 of those being as Prince Orlofsky, Cherubino, and Octavian.
Film Career
Beyond opera, Novotná starred in several films, including the 1932 film adaptation of "The Bartered Bride." Her critically acclaimed performance as Hanna Malik, a Czech Holocaust survivor, in Fred Zinnemann's 1948 drama "The Search" earned her high praise. She continued to act in films and television throughout the 1950s, with her final film appearance being in the 1958 television adaptation of "Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates."
Legacy
Jarmila Novotná passed away in New York City on February 9, 1994. She is remembered as an exceptional soprano and actress who graced the stages of Europe and America. Her artistry and enduring performances continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.
