Nilsson, Birgit (1918-2005), was a celebrated Swedish dramatic soprano. She became noted for the power and clarity of her voice. Critics generally regard Nilsson as one of the finest singers of heroic roles in the operas of Richard Wagner. Her performances as the Wagnerian heroines Isolde and Brunnhilde set the standard for her time. Nilsson also achieved fame in the roles of Aida, Lady Macbeth, Salome, and Tosca. However, a large number of critics rate Nilsson’s performance in the title role of Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot as her outstanding achievement. Nilsson’s recordings are considered masterpieces of dramatic soprano singing.
Nilsson was born on May 17, 1918, in Vastra Karup, near Malmo. Her real name was Marta Birgit Svensson. She made her opera debut in 1946 as Agathe in Carl Maria von Weber’s Der Freischutz at the Royal Opera of Stockholm. She first appeared at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1959 as Isolde. Nilsson retired in 1984. She died on Dec. 25, 2005.
