His voice, they said, could melt the iciest heart. Richard Tauber, a name synonymous with Vienna’s golden age of music, is immortalized right here on this plaque. The Richard Tauber Plaque, nestled on an unassuming street corner, marks the former home of this legendary tenor. Born in Linz, Austria in 1891, Tauber’s journey took him from the grand stages of Vienna and Berlin to the world of operetta, where he found immense fame. His voice, a lyrical and flexible tenor, possessed a warmth and elegance that captivated audiences. His signature monocle and top hat added a touch of Viennese charm to his performances.
Tauber’s life wasn’t without turmoil. The rise of Nazi Germany forced him to flee his homeland. He found refuge in England, becoming a British citizen and continuing to enchant audiences with his voice. A lesser-known fact: Tauber’s arthritis became so debilitating that engineers had to craft a special trolley to move him closer and farther from the microphone during recordings. The Richard Tauber Plaque serves as a poignant reminder of an artist who poured his heart and soul into every note. He left an indelible mark on the world of music, ensuring his legacy lives on, echoing through the streets of Vienna.