Lucia Popp started her career in lighter repertoire before delving into more lyric roles. Mozart dominated her early career, particularly the role of the Queen of the Night in Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte.”
She made her professional debut with the role at age 23 and would make a famed recording in 1963 with the role; she was 24. She also made her Met debut in the role in 1967; 24 of her 26 Met Opera performances were in the role.
In her later years, she was a major interpreter of Strauss’ operas. Popp was also a renowned recitalist.
Here is Ms. Popp in a memorable Aria from the “Marriage of Figaro”
