Lehmann, Lilli [key], 1848–1929, German operatic soprano. She made her debut in 1865 in Prague and in 1870 joined the Royal Opera, Berlin. Her stature as one of the greatest singers of her time was realized in London and in New York City where she was a member of the Metropolitan Opera Company (1885–90). Although she began her career as a coloratura, she became most famous as a Wagnerian singer. Her vast repertory of 170 roles also included Italian and French works. In addition, she was an outstanding interpreter of lieder and a great teacher, Geraldine Farrar being among her pupils. Her Meine Gesangskunst was translated by Richard Aldrich as How to Sing (1902, 3d ed. 1924).
See her autobiography (tr. 1914).
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