Christa Ludwig

Christa Ludwig (born March 16, 1928), retired German mezzo-soprano, distinguished for her performances of opera, Lieder, oratorio, and other major religious works like masses and passions, and solos contained in symphonic literature. Her career spanned from the late 1940s until the early 1990s. She is widely recognised as one of the most significant and distinguished singers of the 20th century. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Ludwig and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1978 / Christa Ludwig."

Ludwig made her American debut at the Lyric Opera of Chicago as Dorabella in "Così fan tutte" in 1959. That same year, she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York as Cherubino in "Le nozze di Figaro" and subsequently sang 121 performances in 15 different roles with the company until 1993. At the Metropolitan Opera, where she quickly became one of the audience's favourites, her repertoire included "The Dyer's Wife" in the Met's first-ever performances of "Die Frau ohne Schatten," the title role and later the Marschallin in "Der Rosenkavalier," Klytemnestra in "Elektra," Ortrud in "Lohengrin," Brangäne in "Tristan und Isolde," Fricka in both "Das Rheingold" and "Die Walküre," Waltraute in "Götterdämmerung," Kundry in "Parsifal," the title role in "Fidelio," Didon in "Les Troyens," Charlotte in "Werther," and Amneris in  "Aida." She first appeared at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in 1969 as Amneris in "Aida."

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean.