Emmy Destinn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emmy Destinn
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Emmy Destinn with roses in 1919
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Emílie Pavlína Věnceslava Kittlová |
| Also known as | Ema Destinnová |
| Born | 26 February 1878 Prague, Austria-Hungary |
| Died | 28 January 1930 (aged 51) České Budějovice, Czechoslovakia |
| Genres | Opera |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1898–1926 |
Emmy Destinn, whose real name was Ema Destinnová, was a famous Czech opera singer. She was born on February 26, 1878, and passed away on January 28, 1930. Emmy was known for her powerful voice and amazing acting skills. She performed in many operas across Europe and at the famous Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Many people consider her one of the best opera singers from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Contents
Emmy Destinn's Early Life and Training
Emmy Destinn was born as Emílie Pavlína Věnceslava Kittlová in Prague, which was part of Austria-Hungary at the time. Her family moved from Prague when she was young. Until she was 14, Emmy grew up in a town called Milešov, where her father owned mines.
In 1892, she went to a German boarding school in Prague. There, she learned German and practiced playing the piano and violin. However, a member of the National Theatre, Anna Adamcová, suggested that Emmy should focus on improving her singing.
Emmy's voice teacher from age thirteen was Marie von Dreger Loewe-Destinn. To honor her teacher, the young singer started using her teacher's last name, Destinn.
Becoming an Opera Star
Emmy Destinn had a short time at the Dresden Opera and was not accepted by the Prague National Theatre in 1897. But she didn't give up! She made her first official performance on July 19, 1898, at the Berlin Court Opera. She played the role of Santuzza in an opera called Cavalleria rusticana.
She was only nineteen years old, but her voice and acting were so good that the director of the Berlin Court Opera hired her right away. She became very popular with the Berlin audience. She stayed in Berlin until October 27, 1909, singing in 54 different operas.
Her fame grew worldwide in 1901. She was invited to sing the part of Senta in Der fliegende Holländer at Germany's Bayreuth Festspielhaus, a very famous opera house. She was asked to sing the same role again the next year.
Performing Around the World
Emmy Destinn first performed in London at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden on May 2, 1904. She played Donna Anna in Don Giovanni. She sang in several operas there for the next two years. This included the first London performance of Madama Butterfly, where she sang alongside the famous tenor Enrico Caruso.
Her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York came in 1908. She gave a highly praised performance in Aida. Two years later, at the Met, she created the role of Minnie in the very first performance of Puccini's La fanciulla del West. Again, she sang with Caruso, and the opera was directed by the famous Arturo Toscanini.
Emmy Destinn was very successful in the lighter roles of Wagner's operas. Her voice was strong and clear, especially in the higher notes. She was also excellent in the French role of Carmen and in Italian roles like Aida, Madama Butterfly, and Leonora in Il trovatore.
Challenges During World War I
Emmy Destinn's career faced a big challenge during World War I. She returned to her home country, Czechoslovakia, after the war started in 1914. However, she was connected to groups that supported Czech independence. Because of this, her passport was taken away. She had to stay at her home for the rest of the war.
When she finally returned to the Met in 1919, her voice was not as strong as it used to be. Also, new singers had become popular with the New York audiences. She continued to sing with the company until 1921, but her most famous years were behind her.
Later Life and Legacy
After retiring from the stage, Emmy Destinn returned to Czechoslovakia. In 1923, she married Joseph Halsbach, who was an officer in the Czech air force. She officially retired from performing in 1926.
Emmy Destinn passed away from a stroke on January 28, 1930, in České Budějovice, Czechoslovakia. She died just a month before her 52nd birthday. She is buried in the Vyšehrad cemetery in Prague, a special place where many important Czech people are laid to rest.
Emmy Destinn's importance is still remembered today. In 1996, her picture appeared on the 2,000 Czech koruna banknote, which is a type of money in the Czech Republic. Also, a small asteroid in space, called 6583 Destinn, was named after her!
See also
In Spanish: Emilie Kittlová para niños
