Slezak, Leo

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Slezak, Leo (b Krásná Hora, 1873; d Egern am Tegernsee, 1946). Austro-Cz. tenor. Sang in ch. of Brno Opera, making début there 1896 as Lohengrin. Berlin Royal Opera 1898–9. Engaged by Mahler for Vienna Opera 1901, remaining until 1927. Débuts: CG 1900; La Scala 1905; NY Met 1909. Sang Herman in Amer. première of Queen of Spades under Mahler, 1910. Fine Lieder singer. On retirement wrote several books (incl. autobiography Songs of Motley, NY 1938) and appeared in Austrian films as comedian.

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