Eerie. I only just mentioned the Slovak soprano Edita Gruberová in my birthday salute to Wynton Marsalis this morning. Now I learn she is dead at the age of 74.

Early on, Gruberová was celebrated for her Queen of the Night (“The Magic Flute”) and Zerbinetta (“Ariadne auf Naxos”). Later, she graduated to heavier, bel canto roles, like Lucia di Lammermoor and Elvira (“I puritani”). Her last operatic appearance, in March 2019, was as another specialty, Elisabetta I (“Roberto Devereux”).

Further performances had been scheduled through 2020, but these were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gruberová sang in concert for the last time in December 2019.

Here she is in music by Purcell, from the Grammy Award winning album mentioned in my post this morning:

As the Queen of the Night:

As Zerbinetta:

More about Gruberová here:

Obituary: Legendary Soprano Edita Gruberová Dies at 74

R.I.P.