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Richard Tauber's legal birth name, date, and place of origin were established as Richard Denemy on May 16, 1891, in Linz, Austria-Hungary.
Answer: True
Explanation: The biographical records confirm that Richard Tauber was born Richard Denemy on May 16, 1891, in Linz, Austria-Hungary.
Richard Tauber's parents, Elisabeth Seifferth and Richard Anton Tauber, were married at the time of his birth.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates that Richard Tauber's parents were not married when he was born, and his father was reportedly unaware of his existence at that time.
The *Encyclopædia Britannica* confirmed that Richard Tauber was also known by the name Ernst Seiffert.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the *Encyclopædia Britannica* may have suggested this, biographical sources indicate that the claim of Richard Tauber being known as Ernst Seiffert is not supported.
Following his adoption in 1913, Richard Tauber's legal name was officially altered to Richard Denemy-Tauber.
Answer: True
Explanation: The adoption process in 1913 formally recognized his paternal lineage, resulting in his legal name becoming Richard Denemy-Tauber.
Richard Tauber spent his formative childhood years primarily residing with his mother during her extensive European tours.
Answer: False
Explanation: Initially accompanying his mother on theatrical tours, Tauber was eventually left with foster parents in Linz, indicating he did not primarily live with her during her travels.
Richard Tauber's father, who had converted to Catholicism, harbored aspirations for his son to enter the priesthood.
Answer: True
Explanation: Richard Tauber's father, a convert to Catholicism, had indeed hoped that his son would pursue a religious vocation as a priest.
Richard Tauber pursued studies in piano, composition, and conducting at the esteemed Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following his early challenges, Tauber enrolled at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, where he diligently studied piano, composition, and conducting.
What were Richard Tauber's birth name, birth date, and birthplace according to the source?
Answer: Richard Denemy, May 16, 1891, Linz, Austria-Hungary
Explanation: The source material explicitly states that Richard Tauber was born Richard Denemy on May 16, 1891, in Linz, Austria-Hungary.
What was the marital status of Richard Tauber's parents at the time of his birth?
Answer: They were not married, and his father was reportedly unaware of his existence.
Explanation: According to the provided information, Richard Tauber's parents were not married at the time of his birth, and his father was reportedly unaware of his son's existence.
Which institution did Richard Tauber attend for his studies in piano, composition, and conducting?
Answer: The Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt
Explanation: Richard Tauber pursued his studies in piano, composition, and conducting at the Hoch Conservatory located in Frankfurt.
Richard Tauber initially encountered difficulties with singing instructors due to his selection of simple folk songs for auditions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tauber's initial struggles with singing teachers stemmed from his auditioning with Wagnerian repertoire, which was considered unsuitable for his voice at that stage, not simple folk songs.
Richard Tauber made his inaugural public singing performance in a concert held in Berlin on May 17, 1912.
Answer: False
Explanation: Richard Tauber's public singing debut occurred in Freiburg im Breisgau on May 17, 1912, not in Berlin.
Richard Tauber's father facilitated his debut as Tamino in Mozart's *The Magic Flute* in Chemnitz.
Answer: True
Explanation: Upon his father's appointment as Intendant of the Municipal Theater in Chemnitz, Richard Tauber was indeed arranged to debut in the role of Tamino in *The Magic Flute*.
What was the primary reason Richard Tauber initially faced challenges in impressing singing teachers?
Answer: He chose to audition with Wagnerian repertoire unsuitable for his voice at the time.
Explanation: Tauber's initial auditions were reportedly with Wagnerian pieces, which proved unsuitable for his voice at that stage, leading to difficulties in impressing instructors.
In which city and year did Richard Tauber make his public debut as a singer?
Answer: Freiburg im Breisgau, 1912
Explanation: Richard Tauber's public singing debut took place in Freiburg im Breisgau in the year 1912.
Richard Tauber acquired the appellation "the SOS Tenor" owing to his exceptional facility for rapidly learning demanding operatic roles.
Answer: True
Explanation: Tauber's remarkable ability to master complex roles with great speed earned him the distinctive nickname "the SOS Tenor."
Richard Tauber famously mastered the role of Calaf in Puccini's *Turandot* within a mere three days to ensure the opera's German premiere.
Answer: True
Explanation: In a notable instance, Tauber learned the role of Calaf in Puccini's *Turandot* in just three days, thereby saving the German premiere of the opera.
Richard Tauber made his debut at the Vienna State Opera in 1913, performing in Mozart's *Don Giovanni*.
Answer: False
Explanation: Richard Tauber's debut at the Vienna State Opera occurred on June 16, 1920, in the opera *La bohème*, not in 1913 in *Don Giovanni*.
Richard Tauber typically allocated equal time, four months each, to the Vienna State Opera and the Berlin State Opera annually.
Answer: True
Explanation: From 1922 onward, Tauber maintained contracts with both the Vienna State Opera and the Berlin State Opera, dividing his time approximately equally between them for four months each per year.
Richard Tauber's performance repertoire was strictly confined to classical operatic tenor roles.
Answer: False
Explanation: While renowned for classical opera, Tauber's repertoire also encompassed operettas and more contemporary works, demonstrating a broader range than solely classical tenor roles.
According to Daniel O'Hara's chronology, Richard Tauber performed approximately 100 distinct roles in opera and operetta.
Answer: True
Explanation: Daniel O'Hara's detailed chronology indicates that Richard Tauber performed over 100 different roles throughout his extensive career in both opera and operetta.
Richard Tauber's voice was distinguished by its lyrical quality, vocal flexibility, and exceptional breath control.
Answer: True
Explanation: Tauber's tenor voice was widely acclaimed for its lyrical attributes, remarkable flexibility, and superior breath control, contributing significantly to his artistry.
Richard Tauber made his London operatic debut in 1938, performing the role of Tamino in *Die Zauberflöte*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Richard Tauber's London operatic debut took place in 1938, where he performed in Mozart's *Die Zauberflöte*.
What nickname did Richard Tauber earn due to his remarkable ability to learn operatic roles with great speed?
Answer: The SOS Tenor
Explanation: Richard Tauber was known as "the SOS Tenor" because of his exceptional capacity to rapidly master challenging operatic roles.
How did Richard Tauber contribute to saving the German premiere of Puccini's opera *Turandot*?
Answer: By stepping in to sing the role of Calaf after the tenor became ill, learning it in three days.
Explanation: Tauber rescued the German premiere of *Turandot* by learning and performing the role of Calaf on extremely short notice, within three days, due to the original tenor's illness.
On what date did Richard Tauber make his debut at the Vienna State Opera, performing in *La bohème*?
Answer: June 16, 1920
Explanation: Richard Tauber's debut at the Vienna State Opera occurred on June 16, 1920, when he performed in Giacomo Puccini's opera *La bohème*.
Which two major opera houses held contracts with Richard Tauber from 1922 onwards, dividing his time between them?
Answer: Vienna State Opera and Berlin State Opera
Explanation: From 1922, Richard Tauber maintained concurrent contracts with the Vienna State Opera and the Berlin State Opera, dedicating approximately four months annually to each.
According to the source, Richard Tauber performed over how many distinct roles in opera and operetta?
Answer: Over 100
Explanation: Daniel O'Hara's chronology indicates that Richard Tauber performed more than 100 different roles across his career in both opera and operetta.
Which of the following vocal qualities was NOT cited as a characteristic of Richard Tauber's renowned tenor voice?
Answer: Powerful vibrato
Explanation: The source highlights Tauber's lyrical quality, flexibility, exceptional breath control, and elegant legato, but does not mention a 'powerful vibrato' as a defining characteristic.
Richard Tauber's performance in Franz Lehár's operetta *Frasquita* in 1922 is credited with revitalizing Lehár's career.
Answer: True
Explanation: Tauber's participation in Lehár's *Frasquita* in 1922 marked a significant moment that helped to reinvigorate the composer's career.
Franz Lehár composed the operetta *The Land of Smiles* specifically for Richard Tauber.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, Franz Lehár created several operettas, including *The Land of Smiles*, with roles meticulously tailored for Richard Tauber's vocal and performance capabilities.
Richard Tauber composed the operetta *Der singende Traum* for Mary Losseff, with whom he maintained a relationship for five years.
Answer: True
Explanation: Tauber composed the operetta *Der singende Traum* specifically for Mary Losseff, with whom he shared a significant relationship lasting approximately five years.
Richard Tauber's recordings of Franz Lehár's compositions achieved bestseller status during his lifetime.
Answer: True
Explanation: Recordings featuring music by Franz Lehár, much of which was composed specifically for Tauber, proved to be highly popular and commercially successful during his career.
Richard Tauber starred in the 1930 film adaptation of *The Land of Smiles*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Richard Tauber indeed starred in the 1930 film version of Franz Lehár's operetta *The Land of Smiles*.
Franz Lehár composed several operettas specifically for Richard Tauber, including all of the following EXCEPT:
Answer: *The Merry Widow* (1905)
Explanation: While Lehár composed *Paganini*, *The Land of Smiles*, and *Der Zarewitsch* for Tauber, *The Merry Widow* predates Tauber's significant operetta career and was not composed for him.
Richard Tauber composed the operetta *Der singende Traum* for which individual?
Answer: Mary Losseff
Explanation: The operetta *Der singende Traum* was composed by Richard Tauber specifically for Mary Losseff.
Richard Tauber utilized a monocle primarily to correct a severe astigmatism affecting his left eye.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tauber wore a monocle not to correct a severe astigmatism, but rather to discreetly camouflage a slight squint in his right eye, enhancing his stage presence.
Richard Tauber departed Germany in 1933 subsequent to an assault by Nazi Brownshirts.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following a physical assault by Nazi Brownshirts in 1933, attributed to his Jewish heritage, Richard Tauber made the decision to leave Germany.
Richard Tauber became technically stateless after fleeing Austria following the *Anschluss* in 1938.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the *Anschluss* in 1938 and his subsequent departure from Austria, the Nazi regime invalidated Tauber's passports, rendering him stateless.
Diana Napier, Richard Tauber's second wife, was an English actress who performed alongside him in *The Land of Smiles*.
Answer: False
Explanation: Diana Napier, Richard Tauber's second wife, was primarily an actress, and while she appeared in some of his films, she was not an English singer who performed with him in *The Land of Smiles*.
During World War II, Richard Tauber relocated to the United States due to significant professional opportunities presented there.
Answer: False
Explanation: Despite lucrative offers from the United States, Richard Tauber remained in the United Kingdom throughout World War II.
Richard Tauber's severe arthritis necessitated the construction of a specialized trolley by recording engineers to facilitate his movement towards the microphone.
Answer: True
Explanation: Due to the debilitating effects of severe arthritis, recording engineers devised a special wheeled trolley to assist Tauber in adjusting his position relative to the microphone during recording sessions.
The Broadway production *Yours is my Heart*, starring Richard Tauber, achieved considerable critical and commercial success.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Broadway production *Yours is my Heart*, featuring Richard Tauber, proved to be an unsuccessful venture, resulting in significant financial losses.
Richard Tauber was diagnosed with tuberculosis in April 1947.
Answer: False
Explanation: In April 1947, Richard Tauber was diagnosed with lung cancer, not tuberculosis.
Richard Tauber's final public performance was in the lead role of Verdi's opera *Rigoletto*.
Answer: False
Explanation: Richard Tauber's final public performance was not in *Rigoletto*, but as Don Ottavio in Mozart's *Don Giovanni*.
Richard Tauber died in London in January 1948, at the age of 56.
Answer: True
Explanation: Richard Tauber passed away in London on January 8, 1948, at the age of 56.
Richard Tauber's Requiem Mass was conducted at Westminster Abbey in London.
Answer: False
Explanation: Richard Tauber's Requiem Mass was held at St. James's Church, Spanish Place, in London, not at Westminster Abbey.
What was the primary purpose of Richard Tauber wearing a monocle?
Answer: To camouflage a slight squint in his right eye.
Explanation: Richard Tauber wore a monocle primarily as a means to camouflage a slight squint in his right eye, contributing to his distinctive stage appearance.
What event in 1933 prompted Richard Tauber to leave Germany?
Answer: An attack by Nazi Brownshirts due to his Jewish ancestry.
Explanation: An assault by Nazi Brownshirts in 1933, motivated by his Jewish heritage, was the catalyst for Richard Tauber's departure from Germany.
Why did Richard Tauber and his wife become technically stateless after leaving Austria in 1938?
Answer: Their passports were withdrawn by the Nazi government after the *Anschluss*.
Explanation: Following the *Anschluss* and their departure from Austria, the Nazi government confiscated their passports, rendering them stateless.
What was the primary profession of Diana Napier, Richard Tauber's second wife?
Answer: Actress
Explanation: Diana Napier, who became Richard Tauber's second wife, was primarily known as an actress.
During World War II, Richard Tauber remained in the United Kingdom and supported himself through various means, including:
Answer: By composing English operettas and participating in radio broadcasts.
Explanation: While in the UK during WWII, Tauber sustained himself by composing English operettas, such as *Old Chelsea*, and participating in radio broadcasts, alongside singing and conducting.
What medical condition significantly impacted Richard Tauber's ability to adjust volume during his later recording sessions?
Answer: Arthritis
Explanation: Severe arthritis afflicted Richard Tauber in his later years, complicating his ability to modulate volume during recordings, necessitating specialized equipment.
What was the outcome of Richard Tauber's appearance in the Broadway production *Yours is my Heart*?
Answer: It was an unsuccessful production that resulted in significant financial losses.
Explanation: The Broadway production *Yours is my Heart*, starring Tauber, was commercially unsuccessful and resulted in substantial personal financial losses for him.
What serious illness was diagnosed in Richard Tauber in April 1947?
Answer: Lung cancer
Explanation: In April 1947, Richard Tauber received a diagnosis of lung cancer.
Richard Tauber's final public performance was in which role and opera?
Answer: Don Ottavio in *Don Giovanni*
Explanation: Richard Tauber's last public performance was as Don Ottavio in Mozart's opera *Don Giovanni*.
In which city did Richard Tauber die?
Answer: London, England
Explanation: Richard Tauber died in London, England.
Richard Tauber's Requiem Mass was held at which London church?
Answer: St. James's Church, Spanish Place
Explanation: The Requiem Mass for Richard Tauber was conducted at St. James's Church, Spanish Place, in London.
The 'Authority control' section provides links to databases that catalog information about Richard Tauber, thereby facilitating unique identification.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Authority control' section serves to link Richard Tauber to various international databases, ensuring consistent and unique identification across different archival systems.
The Wikimedia Commons link offers access to biographical articles concerning Richard Tauber.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Wikimedia Commons link typically provides access to multimedia files such as photographs and recordings related to Richard Tauber, rather than biographical articles.
The Internet Broadway Database (IBDB) link primarily details Richard Tauber's recordings and discography.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Internet Broadway Database (IBDB) focuses on theatrical productions and Tauber's involvement in them, not specifically his recordings or discography.
'Das Richard Tauber Archiv' is a website predominantly in English that delineates his career chronology.
Answer: False
Explanation: While 'Das Richard Tauber Archiv' does contain an English-language chronology compiled by Daniel O'Hara, the archive itself is primarily in German.