Diva Hildegard Behrens Rest in Peace

Photo Copyright © Christian Steiner (photographer). All rights reserved.

I am deeply saddened to have just learned that the great German soprano, Hildegard Behrens, passed away unexpectedly today in Japan at the far-too-young age of 72. Mme. Behrens was, according to the AP report this evening, traveling to Tokyo to prepare for two recital programs, when she "felt unwell" and "died of an apparent aneurysm."

This is especially tragic for me, and others like me, who experienced Behrens for many of the important years of her career at New York's Metropolitan Opera in the 1980s and 90s. During this period, she sang everything from Mozart to Puccini -- her full MET debut (after an appearance in a fundraising gala) was in the unlikely role of Giorgetta in Puccini's Il Tabarro -- to Mascagni and more, but most importantly, the major heroic roles of Wagner and Richard Strauss. I was never a fan of her too-light-for-much-of-her-repertoire vocal instrument, but I was a passionate admirer of her spectacular musical-theatrical artistry. This was a rare instance of an operatic singer who I loved hearing in roles far above her "fach," and watching, so as to witness her sheer 100% commitment in everything she performed. I heard and saw, live in the house, all of her MET roles after the early 1980s until the late 90s when she informally, and unannounced, made her last MET appearance.

My father, Frank Ufert, passed away last month at the similarly premature age of 75 (albeit following a decade-long battle with poor health--a much longer period of illness than Mme. Behrens seemingly experienced). May this great woman -- who I met many times -- enjoy leading the chorus of angels, and my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.

See Hildegard Behrens in the title role in Richard Strauss' Elektra (from YouTube):