Gerhardt, Elena

Gerhardt, Elena, celebrated German-born English mezzo-soprano; b. Leipzig, Nov. 11, 1883; d. London, Jan. 11, 1961. She studied at the Leipzig Cons. (1899–1903) with Marie Hedmont. She made her public debut on her 20th birthday in a recital, accompanied by Nikisch; after appearing at the Leipzig Opera (1903–04), she toured Europe as a lieder artist with great success; made her English debut in London in 1906, and her American debut in N.Y, Jan. 9, 1912. In 1933 she settled in London, making appearances as a singer, and teaching. She compiled My Favorite German Songs (1915), ed. a selection of Hugo Wolf’s songs (1932), and wrote an autobiography, Recital (London, 1953).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire

Gerhardt, Elena (b Leipzig, 1883; d London, 1961). Ger.-born mezzo-soprano (orig. sop.) (Brit. cit.). Studied Leipzig Cons. 1900–4 and with A. Nikisch, who later often acted as her acc., as at her début, 1903, on her 20th birthday. After a few appearances at Leipzig, rejected opera in favour of the recital platform, becoming outstanding exponent of Ger. Lieder, esp. Wolf, Brahms, Schubert, R. Strauss. Eng. début 1906, Amer. 1912. Settled in London 1934. Sang during war at Nat. Gallery concerts and for a time afterwards, then became teacher.