Jurinac, Sena (1921—)

views updated

Jurinac, Sena (1921—)

Bosnian soprano. Born Srebrenka Jurinac on October 24, 1921, in Travnik, Yugoslavia; married Sesto Bruscantini (a baritone), in 1953 (divorced 1957); married Josef Lederle, in 1975; studied with Milka Kostrencic in Zagreb.

Made debut at Zagreb (1942), Vienna Staatsoper (1945), Salzburg (1957), Teatro all Scala (1948), Glyndebourne (1949), Chicago (1963).

Born in Yugoslavia in 1921, Sena Jurinac was one of many fine sopranos championed by Herbert von Karajan who also brought Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Lisa Della Casa and Hilde Gueden to international attention. Sena Jurinac had one of the most beautiful voices of her time, and she specialized in Mozart and Strauss whose styles suited that voice. She was also a naturally gifted, charismatic actress, popular with operatic audiences. Known for her Butterfly, Tosca, and Donna Anna, Jurinac excelled in tragedy, though she sang a number of comic roles with great success. Less impassioned than some of her contemporary sopranos, Jurinac was involving nonetheless. Unfortunately, she made few recordings, probably because of competition from Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi . Those that do exist preserve her poised attack and incandescent tone.

suggested reading:

Tamussino, U. Sena Jurinac. Augsburg, 1971.

John Haag , Athens, Georgia