Erna Berger

Born in Dresden, Erna Berger became a renowned coloratura soprano. The Erna Berger memorial here commemorates her connection to this city. She displayed musical talent from a young age. At five, she flawlessly sang “Leise, leise, fromme Weise” from Weber’s Der Freischütz. She even created her own dances. Her father, a railway engineer, worked in Africa. He left young Erna in Dresden with her aunts. A chance encounter led her to sing for Elisabeth Rethberg. Rethberg, a famous soprano, recognized Erna’s talent. She recommended Erna join the Dresden Opera Chorus. However, Erna’s father decided to emigrate to Paraguay. Her operatic dreams were put on hold. After her father’s death in Paraguay, Erna worked as a governess. She reignited her passion for music. She practiced arias with a pianist in Montevideo. By 23, Erna had saved enough to return to Europe. During her voyage, she sang for first-class passengers. They were so impressed they paid for her to upgrade from third class. Back in Dresden, Erna worked in an office while studying singing. In 1925, Fritz Busch hired her at the Dresden State Opera. She debuted as the First Genie in Die Zauberflöte. Later, she sang the Young Shepherd in Tannhäuser, even performing it under Toscanini at Bayreuth. When the soprano playing Olympia in Les Contes d’Hoffmann fell ill, Erna seized the opportunity. She convinced the opera house to let her perform the role. Her performance earned her a standing ovation. She continued to triumph in roles like Oscar in Un Ballo in Maschera, Ännchen in Der Freischütz, and Blondchen in Entführung aus dem Serail. Her repertoire grew considerably. Fritz Busch brought Erna to the Salzburg Festival where she shone as Blondchen. She then moved to Berlin, singing at the Charlottenburg Municipal Opera. In 1934, Wilhelm Furtwängler engaged her at the Berlin State Opera. There, she performed Violetta, Martha, Gilda, Constance, Mimi, and Madame Butterfly. She shared the stage with renowned singers like Beniamino Gigli. Erna sang over 30 roles at the Berlin State Opera, including the Queen of the Night. Her fame spread internationally. She performed in London, Amsterdam, Brussels, and many other cities. Despite having Norwegian citizenship through marriage, she remained with the Berlin State Opera throughout the war. After the war, Erna’s international career blossomed. She was a guest artist at the Met and toured America, Australia, and Japan. She became known as the “singing ambassadress.” Her clear soprano and sensitive artistry captivated audiences worldwide. Furtwängler, her colleague for almost 20 years, called her “the best.” Erna Berger’s legacy continues to inspire.