Seefried, Irmgard

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Seefried, Irmgard (b Köngetried, Bavaria, 1919; d Vienna, 1988). Austrian soprano of Ger. birth. Début Aachen 1940 (Priestess in Aida) where she remained until 1943. Vienna Opera from 1943. Sang Composer in Ariadne auf Naxos in Vienna 1944 in honour of Strauss's 80th birthday. Débuts: Salzburg Fest. 1946; CG (with Vienna State Opera) 1947; La Scala 1949; NY Met 1953. Outstanding in Strauss and Mozart, one of most appealing artists of her time. Wife of violinist Wolfgang Schneiderhan, Henze's Ariosi for sop., vn., and orch. (1963) being comp. for them. Also noted for singing of Lieder.