Teresa Stolz, born Tereza Stolzová in Kostelec nad Labem on 2 June or 5 June 1834, emerged as a definitive spinto soprano within the Italian operatic landscape. Settling in the Kingdom of Italy for much of her professional life, she gained prominence through her close artistic collaboration with Giuseppe Verdi, serving as a primary interpreter for his major compositions.
Formative Years and Early Career
Raised in a musical environment alongside eight siblings, Stolz received early instruction from the cellist Josef Neruda. Her formal training continued at the Prague Conservatory under Giovanni Battista Gardigiani starting in 1849, though she left the institution in 1851. She relocated to Trieste to join her brother, pursuing further studies with the conductor Luigi Ricci. Her professional debut occurred in 1857 in Tbilisi, followed by appearances in Odessa and Constantinople. By the early 1860s, she moved to Milan to study with Francesco Lamperti, initiating her career in Italian houses such as Turin, Nice, and Spoleto.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Association with Giuseppe Verdi
Stolz became a key figure in the performance of Verdi’s works. She appeared at La Scala in 1865 for Giovanna d’Arco and debuted the Italian version of Don Carlo in Bologna in 1867. On 8 February 1872, she sang the title role in the Italian premiere of Aida, a production overseen by the composer himself. She served as the soprano soloist for the premiere of Verdi’s Requiem on 22 May 1874 and later joined the composer for performances in London, Vienna, and Paris.
Repertoire and Personal History
Beyond her association with Verdi, her repertoire included roles such as Lucrezia Borgia, Norma, and Alice in Robert le diable. Her personal life involved a relationship with conductor Angelo Mariani, which ended in 1871. Following the death of Verdi’s wife, Giuseppina Strepponi, in 1897, Stolz became a companion to the composer. She died in Milan in 1902 and is interred at the monumental cemetery of the city.
Fast facts
- Born: 1834, Kostelec nad Labem
- Died: 1902, Milan
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Italy
- Primary Occupation: Opera singer
- Notable Premiere: Aida (Italian premiere, 1872)
- Notable Premiere: Requiem (1874)
- Burial Site: Monumental cemetery of Milan
Questions readers ask
What was Teresa Stolz's relationship to Giuseppe Verdi?
She was a leading interpreter of his works and became his companion following the death of his wife in 1897.
Where is Teresa Stolz buried?
She is buried at the monumental cemetery of Milan.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice
