Origins & Early Life

Lauritz Melchior (born Lauritz Lebrecht Hommel Melchior, 20 March 1890 – 18 March 1973) was a Danish-American opera singer. He was the preeminent Wagnerian heldentenor of the 1920s through the 1940s and has come to be considered the quintessence of his voice type. Late in his career, Melchior appeared in movie musicals and on radio and television. He also made numerous recordings.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Melchior was born Lauritz Lebrecht Hommel Melchior in Copenhagen, Denmark on 20 March 1890. His father was the rector for a private school for boys in Copenhagen, and he received his own childhood education at this school beginning in the year 1896. He grew up singing as a treble in the chorus at St. Alban's Church, Copenhagen. His early music development was also shaped by his older sister, Agnes Melchior (1883–1945), who was blind.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Her disability necessitated that she needed a chaperone to the many concerts and operas she attended, and Lauritz was often called upon from a young age to accompany his sister to these events which enhanced his enthusiasm for and knowledge of opera and classical music. In 1908 Melchior entered the Royal Opera School in Copenhagen where he was...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdul Ghaffar Khan — Contemporary (Born in 1890) (1890): Pioneering nonviolent activist and founder of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement.
• Agatha Christie — Contemporary (Born in 1890) (1890): The 'Queen of Crime,' a master of the mystery genre, best-selling author of all time.
• Aimee Semple McPherson — Contemporary (Born in 1890) (1890): Pioneering Pentecostal evangelist, famous for founding the Foursquare Church.
• Abebe Bikila — Contemporary (Died in 1973) (1973): Ethiopian Olympic marathon champion, known for his barefoot victories in Rome and Tokyo.
• Adrien Brody — Contemporary (Born in 1973) (1973): Acclaimed American actor known for intense, emotionally charged character portrayals.
• Aishwarya Rai — Contemporary (Born in 1973) (1973): Iconic Indian actress celebrated for beauty and versatile performances in Hindi and Tamil cinema.
• Alex Gorsky — Shared historical date (03-20 · Born) (1960): American businessman, former Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson.
• Alfonso II of Asturias — Shared historical date (03-20 · Died) (842): King of Asturias, credited with the discovery of the tomb of St. James the Great.
• Alexei Yagudin — Shared historical date (03-18 · Born) (1980): Pioneering Russian figure skater, celebrated for multiple World and Olympic titles.
• Alfred Worden — Shared historical date (03-18 · Died) (2020): American astronaut and test pilot, famous for Apollo 15 lunar mission.
• 1890 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1890
• March 20 (03-20) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 20
• 1973 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1973
• March 18 (03-18) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on March 18