Zdeněk Otava [SEP] voice type
Zdeněk Otava
Zdeněk Otava (11 March 1902 - 4 December 1980) was a Czech operatic baritone who had a length career at the Prague National Theatre that spanned more than four decades. Musicologist Alena Němcová stated that, "Otava's voice had a very wide vocal range and a marked intensity, and while light, was extremely varied in colour, with an even tone, free of vibrato; his diction was absolutely clear." In addition to his opera career, he was also a successful recitalist, particularly known for
. However, some critics commented on a certain lack of steadiness or purity in her singing. Her voice is preserved on a number of recordings made on the Supraphon and Decca labels.
Biography.
Born in Ostrava to a musical family, Kniplová had her first vocal training from her father before studying under Jarmila Vavrdová at the Prague Conservatory from 1947–1953. She pursued further studies at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague from 1954–1958 where her principal teachers were Zdeněk Otava and K. Ungrová. She made her professional opera debut at