Ernestine Schumann-Heink, Concerts and Broadcasts 1929-1935.

Ernestine Schumann-Heink (1861–1936) was one of the most celebrated contralto singers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born Ernestine Rössler in Prague (now in the Czech Republic), she grew up in modest circumstances and overcame strong early opposition to her ambitions as a singer. She made her operatic debut in 1878 and gradually built an international reputation, particularly in the operas of Richard Wagner. Her rich contralto voice and commanding stage presence led to engagements throughout Europe and eventually at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where she became one of the company’s most beloved stars. Beyond opera, Schumann-Heink was famous for her concert tours and recordings. She was especially admired for her performances of German lieder, sacred music, and Wagnerian roles such as Erda, Fricka, and Waltraute. During World War I, she became a symbol of maternal devotion and international goodwill. Several of her sons served on opposing sides of the conflict, a circumstance that attracted considerable public attention. Her warm personality and reputation as a devoted mother made her a popular public figure far beyond the opera world. In the 1920s and 1930s she embraced new media, becoming a frequent radio performer. By the time of the 1934 Gerber, she was often presented as America’s “best-loved mother,” combining songs, conversation, and advice for families. Schumann-Heink died in Hollywood on 17 November 1936 at the age of 75. She is remembered as one of the great contraltos of her era and as a pioneering performer who successfully bridged opera, recordings, radio, and popular broadcasting. 00:00 - 07:40 Broadcast for the opening ceremony of the Northern Pacific Railroad's Cascade Tunnel. 12 January 1929: Land of Hope and Glory (E. Elgar) The Home Road (A. Carpenter) The Star Spangled Banner Katherine Hoffmann: piano 07:40 -11:44 Roxy Theatre Performance, New York. 11 January 1931: St. Paul (Mendelsohn): And he journeyed.....But the Lord is Mindful of His Own Katherine Hoffmann, piano 11:44 - 16:37 Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht (F. Gruber) Schumann-Heink & Wallace Beery. 21 December,1935. 16:37 - 20:22 Schumann-Heink Speech. Magic Key, 3 November 1935.