Nina Stemme, born Nina Maria Thöldte on 11 May 1963 in Stockholm, Sweden, is widely regarded as one of the greatest dramatic sopranos of her generation. Renowned for her commanding performances in the most challenging operatic roles, particularly in the works of Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss, Stemme has earned a place among the elite in the world of opera, often compared to legends like Kirsten Flagstad and Birgit Nilsson.
Nina Stemme
Her journey from a musically inclined child to an international opera star has been nothing short of spectacular, and her legacy is not only in her voice but in her ability to make opera’s most daunting roles feel human and relatable.
Throughout her career, Stemme has produced several iconic recordings and performances, and to commemorate her birthday on 11 May, we have decided to sample some of them.
Nina Stemme Sings Janáček’s Jenůfa, (excerpt Act 3)
Tristan and Isolde
Nina Stemme
Frequently cited among the best opera recordings, Nina Stemme’s performance of “Isolde” in the 2005 EMI Classics recording of Wagner’s opera is a significant achievement that showcases her vocal and interpretive strengths. Paired with Plácido Domingo as Tristan, Stemme provided a compelling blend of brilliance and interpretive promise.
Stemme brought a youthful and vibrant sound to Isolde, which was a refreshing departure from the heavier, more dramatic voices traditionally associated with the role. Critics consistently praised her voice for its beauty, focus, and security, particularly in the demanding high register.
Her tone was described as “warm and liquid, and this flexibility enabled Stemme to convey a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, particularly in quieter passages. She certainly excelled in conveying Isolde’s passion and intensity, particularly in moments of anger and defiance. Matching Domingo’s phrasing and vocal colour, Stemme created a compelling partnership that conveyed the lovers’ mutual obsession and transcendence.
Richard Wagner: Tristan und Isolde – Act II Scene 2: Lausch’, Geliebter! … Lass mich sterben! (Nina Stemme, soprano; Plácido Domingo, tenor; Royal Opera House Orchestra, Covent Garden; Antonio Pappano, cond.)
Elektra
Stemme’s performances as “Elektra” in the opera of Richard Strauss have solidified her reputation as one of the foremost dramatic sopranos of her generation. In fact, this role has become a signature part of her repertoire.
Critics consistently praise her commanding vocal presence, nuanced acting, and her ability to convey the complex psychology of the character. Never one-dimensional, Stemme portrays a calculating and broken woman driven by grief and rage.
Blending the role’s ferocious outbursts with moments of tenderness and vulnerability, Stemme’s approach draws on her lyrical roots to infuse Elektra with subtle shadings while highlighting a more jagged and expressionistic edge. Stemme has discussed the importance of connecting with Elektra’s humanity, portraying her not as a monster but as a daughter consumed by love for her father and hatred for her mother.
Nina Stemme sings Strauss: Elektra, “Recognition Scenes” (excerpt)
Fidelio
Nina Stemme’s portrayal of “Leonore” in Beethoven’s Fidelio, recorded live at the 2010 Lucerne Festival and released by Decca in 2011, is a significant milestone in her discography and a testament to her prowess as a dramatic soprano. Conducted by Claudio Abbado and featuring Jonas Kaufmann as “Florestan,” the recording is celebrated for its musical excellence and emotional depth.
Stemme’s voice, with its amber tone and dramatic soprano timbre, is ideally suited for Leonore’s demanding vocal writing. She delivers the high notes with brilliance while maintaining tonal warmth in the middle and lower registers, which is crucial for Leonore’s emotional depth.
Stemme’s aria “Abscheulicher!” is a blend of righteous fury and hopeful resolve. Her rendition is described as gleaming “like a blade cutting through steel bars,” with a triumphant climax that showcases her vocal power. Essentially, her Leonore is a compelling blend of vocal power, dramatic nuance, and emotional authenticity.
Ludwig van Beethoven: Fidelio, Op. 72 – Act I: Recitative and Aria: Abscheulicher! Wo eilst du hin? (Nina Stemme, soprano; Lucerne Festival Orchestra; Mahler Chamber Orchestra; Claudio Abbado, cond.)
The Ring
Nina Stemme in Wagner’s Die Walküre
Nina Stemme’s portrayal of “Brünhilde” in Wagner’s Ring Cycle is one of the defining achievements of her career. Her performances in this epic tetralogy have been widely acclaimed, and Stemme has described this role as the “ultimate challenge.”
Stemme has spoken about the physicality of the role, particularly in productions requiring her to climb sets or wear heavy costumes. Her voice seems ideally suited for Brünnhilde, as she has the ability to dominate Wagner’s orchestra but still convey lyricism with a great deal of tenderness.
Nina Stemme’s voice fuses power, precision, and profound emotional expressivity. Sporting an instrument of remarkable versatility, Stemme is equally adept at conveying lyrical tenderness and psychological nuance. She transforms technical brilliance into transcendent storytelling, creating performance with both visceral impact and enduring humanity.
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