Burgsthaler-Granzner, 88, Opera Star
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
Gertrud Burgsthaler-Granzner, a much-feted regular at Vienna’s State Opera in the post World War II years, has died, the Austria Press Agency reported Wednesday. She was 88.
The news agency, citing relatives of the singer, reported that she died Thursday in Vienna, but gave no details on the cause of death.
Starting in 1945, Burgsthaler-Granzner’s skill in drama and her versatile alto voice led her to assume important roles in operas ranging from Verdi to Wagner during her five-year tenure at Austria’s premier opera house.
She was also sought after for operetta roles, and made Czipra in Johann Strauss “Zigeunerbaron” her signature piece.
Born Feb. 22, 1916, in Vienna, Burgsthaler-Granzner studied at the Vienna Music Academy before embarking on a performing career that also encompassed Lieder performances at home and abroad as well as recordings with Herbert von Karajan and other famed conductors.
In later years, she played a pivotal role at the Brueckner Conservatory in the Upper Austrian city of Linz, training dozens of students who went on to international singing careers.
