The German baritone, Oskar [Oscar] Laßner [Lassner], was a pupil of the famous Wagner singer Amalie Materna.
In 1912-1913 Oskar Laßner began his stage career at the Theater of Gablonz (Jablonec nad Nisou) and sang then in 1913-1914 at the theatre of Maehrisch Ostrau (Ostrava), 1914-1915 at the Wiener Volksoper, 1915-1918 in Graz. From 1918 to 1928 he was engaged as first baritone at the Opera House of Leipzig. He was estimated there as an interpreter of a very versatile stage repertoire, with high points in roles like Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, Rigoletto, Amonasro in Aida and Scarpia in Tosca. He made guest appearances at prominent stages in Germany as well as successful concert appearances.
Since 1921 Oskar Laßner worked as a teacher at the Konservatorium of Leipzig. In 1933 he was dismissed there as a Jew. He went to North America, where he still appeared occasionally in concerts.
His voice was recorded by Polydor. |