Arndt-Ober (1885–1971) was born in the United States to German immigrants. Hers was an alto/mezzo voice with measureless dramatic intensity, but nuance applied when called for; a very rich voice, indeed. Her roles encompassed the Italian roles (Eboli, Azucena, Amneris –opposite Caruso-, Laura), as well as Fricka, Ortrud, Klytemnaestra, Brangaene, Carmen, and Octavian.
She was closely associated with the Berlin State Opera, the Met, and later also the Zoppot festival. Her career took a political turn with the outbreak of WWI, when she was dropped by the NY roster. Caruso apparently called her the “German She-devil”.
We can still hear her remarkable voice, on remnants of a number of recordings made on the HMV, Odeon, Parlophon, Pathé, and Victor labels. Toscanini admired he greatly.
Here she is as Klytemnaestra:
The Arndt portion of her name stems from her second teacher, Arthur Arndt, who she eventually married
Listen to her wonderfully incisive Eboli (in German). I am not sure who sings the Tebaldo.
