No diva in memory has sung such an all-encompassing amount of the soprano repertory, progressing through virtually the entire range of Italian light lyric, lirico-spinto and dramatic roles, including all the pinnacles of the bel canto, Verdi and verismo repertories, whilst simultaneously being a remarkable interpreter of Salome, Sieglinde and Isolde.”1

This sums up succinctly, the talent and achievement of a singer who towards the end of her career added another feather to her cap by achieving world wide fame, especially amongst a younger generation of non-opera goers, when she sang the duet Barcelona  with Freddie Mercury, which was commissioned and recorded at the request of the International Olympic Committee and aired for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in 1992.

Caballé’s career began in Basel, Switzerland in 1957-1959, and Bremen, Germany from 1959-1962, where she sang extensive repertoire in German from Mozart to Richard Strauss. 

She attracted international attention and fame in 1965, after a performance of Donizetti’s Lucretia Borgia at Carnegie Hall in New York, standing in for the American mezzo soprano Marilyn Horne which earned her a 25 minute standing ovation. After this great triumph she became more associated with the Italian Bel Canto repertoire.

A consummate performer known for her intelligent and delicate interpretations and musicianship, Caballé combined these in her pure but powerful voice, capable of creating exquisite vocal shadings. She possessed a prized ability to spin the finest and highest gossamer of pianissimo, which led to her be considered one of the best sopranos of the 20th Century.

Throughout her six decade career, Caballé recorded extensively. We are fortunate to have complete opera repertoire performances and recital albums with her exquisite performances. Amongst many rewards she also received 3 Grammys.

1. “THE SOPRANO MONTSERRAT CABALLÉ HAS DIED”,Gramophone, Patrick O’Connor, October 6, 2018.