KATHARINA

KLAFSKY  -(1855-1896), Hungarian operatic singer, was born at Szt Janos, Wieselburg, of humble parents . Being employed at Vienna as a nurserymaid, her fine soprano voice led to her being engaged as a chorus singer, and she was given good lessons in music . By 1882 she became well-known in Wagnerian roles at the Leipzig theatre, and she increased her reputation at other German musical centres . In 1892 she appeared in London, and had a great success in Wagner's operas, notably as Briinnhilde and as Isolde, her dramatic as well as vocal gifts being of an exceptional order . She sang in America in 1895, but died of brain disease in 1896 . A Life, by L . Ordemann, was published in 1903 (Leipzig) .