Hildegard Ranczak

Hildegard Ranczak (December 20, 1895, Vitkovice - February, 1987, Vienna) was a Bohemian operatic soprano, particularly associated with Richard Strauss roles, and largely based in Germany.

She studied in Vienna with Irene Schlemmer-Ambros and made her debut in Dusseldorf in 1919, as Pamina. After engagements in Cologne (1923-25), Stuttgart (1926-28), she became a member of the Munich State Opera, where under the direction of Clemens Krauss she often appeared in operas by Richard Strauss, creating Clairon in "Capriccio", other notable roles included Octavian, Zdenka, Aithra, Die Farberin.

She made guest appearances in Vienna, Paris, London, Rome, Dresden. Her last performance was as "Carmen" in Munich, in 1950.

elected recordings

* "Die Boheme" - Trude Eipperle, Alfons Fugel, Hildegard Ranczak, Carl Kronenberg, Georg Hann, Georg Wieter - Munich State Opera Chorus and Orchestra, Clemens Krauss - Cantus Classic (1940)

* "Tosca" - Hildegard Ranczak, Helge Rosvaenge, Georg Hann - Berlin Radio Chorus and Orchestra, Leopold Hager - Cantus Classic (1944)

ources

* "Grove Music Online", David Cummings, May 2008.