Evelyn Lear, American operatic soprano (d. 2012)

Evelyn Lear: A Versatile American Soprano and Champion of Contemporary Opera

Evelyn Shulman Lear (January 8, 1926 – July 1, 2012) was an acclaimed American operatic soprano, widely celebrated for her exceptional vocal versatility, extensive repertoire, and dedication to 20th-century music. Her illustrious career spanned over three decades, from 1959 to 1992, during which she performed more than forty distinct operatic roles across the globe.

A Prolific Career and International Recognition

Evelyn Lear's impact on the operatic stage was profound. She graced the stages of virtually every major opera company in the United States, including the prestigious Metropolitan Opera in New York, the San Francisco Opera, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Her international presence was equally significant, with notable appearances at the Vienna State Opera, the Berlin German Opera, the Bayreuth Festival, and the Salzburg Festival, cementing her status as a truly global artist. A testament to her artistry, Lear received a coveted Grammy Award in 1966 for her powerful portrayal of Marie in Alban Berg's groundbreaking opera, Wozzeck, a landmark recording conducted by Karl Böhm for Deutsche Grammophon.

Unparalleled Vocal Versatility: The "Der Rosenkavalier" Feat

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Evelyn Lear's career was her unparalleled musical versatility. She possessed a rare ability to convincingly interpret a vast array of roles, demanding different vocal registers and dramatic nuances. Her legendary achievement of singing all three principal female roles in Richard Strauss's beloved opera, Der Rosenkavalier, stands as a unique testament to this versatility. She performed:

• The Marschallin (Die Feldmarschallin): A role for a mature lyric-dramatic soprano, requiring elegance, wisdom, and poignant introspection.
• Octavian: A "trouser role" for a mezzo-soprano, demanding youthful energy, charm, and a lower tessitura.
• Sophie: A role for a high lyric-coloratura soprano, characterized by innocence, purity, and brilliant vocal agility.

This extraordinary accomplishment showcased her complete mastery of the vocal range and her deep understanding of character, setting her apart as an artist of exceptional breadth.

A Champion of 20th-Century Opera

Beyond the traditional repertoire, Evelyn Lear was a fervent advocate and definitive interpreter of 20th-century operatic works. She was particularly celebrated for her incisive performances in challenging and often experimental pieces by contemporary composers. Her commitment helped bring these modern masterpieces to wider audiences and establish them within the operatic canon. Key composers whose works she championed include:

• Alban Berg: Her performances as Marie in Wozzeck and the title role in Lulu were considered definitive, showcasing her ability to navigate complex atonal scores with both vocal precision and profound dramatic insight.
• Robert Ward: Notably, she created the role of Abigail Williams in Ward's Pulitzer Prize-winning opera, The Crucible.
• Marvin David Levy: She was acclaimed for her portrayal of Lavinia Mannon in Levy's Mourning Becomes Electra.
• Rudolf Kelterborn and Giselher Klebe: Lear's engagement with their works further highlighted her dedication to the evolving landscape of contemporary opera.

A Collaborative Partnership: Evelyn Lear and Thomas Stewart

Evelyn Lear's personal and professional life was deeply intertwined with that of her husband, the distinguished American bass-baritone Thomas Stewart. Their marriage, which lasted until Stewart's death in 2006, was a notable partnership within the opera world. They frequently performed together on stage, their voices complementing each other in various productions and concert appearances, solidifying their status as one of opera's power couples.

Frequently Asked Questions About Evelyn Lear

What made Evelyn Lear unique among operatic sopranos?

Evelyn Lear was unique due to her exceptional vocal versatility, which allowed her to sing a wide array of roles across different vocal classifications, most notably performing all three main female roles in Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier. She was also a prominent champion and interpreter of challenging 20th-century operatic works.

For what performance did Evelyn Lear win a Grammy Award?

Evelyn Lear won a Grammy Award in 1966 for Best Opera Recording for her portrayal of Marie in Alban Berg's opera Wozzeck.

What were some of Evelyn Lear's most famous roles?

Aside from her notable performances in all three female roles of Der Rosenkavalier (The Marschallin, Octavian, Sophie), she was highly acclaimed for her interpretations of Marie in Berg's Wozzeck, the title role in Berg's Lulu, and Donna Elvira in Mozart's Don Giovanni. She also created roles in new American operas.

How did Evelyn Lear contribute to contemporary opera?

Evelyn Lear was a fervent advocate for contemporary opera, actively performing and premiering roles in challenging 20th-century works by composers such as Alban Berg, Robert Ward, and Marvin David Levy. Her commitment helped establish these modern pieces in the operatic repertoire and showcased the vocal possibilities within new musical styles.