FAMOUS TENOR’S RISE TO FAME

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 159, 2 April 1937, Page 16

FAMOUS TENOR’S RISE TO FAME

Gay Personality of Richard Tauber

FHE nearest you can get to summing

up Richard Tauber in one sentence is to say that his personality has ail the gaiety and freedom of the Viennese waltzes he loves. Born into a theatrical family (his father was general manager of the Chemnitz Stadt Theatre in Saxony), Tauber was brought up among artists, and a passionate love for all the arts developed early in him, together with a contempt for the rigid conventions observed by those outside the artistic circles in which he moved. His contribution to art and music has promoted the French Government to confer on him the Legion of Honour. Tauber left his beloved Austria to study music in Germany, in the Frank-furt-am-Main Conservatorium, and before the age of IS became the conductor of an orchestra. He soon realised that his voice had unusual qualities. however, and devoted his time to perfecting it and to developing himself as an actor.

His talent was soon recognised, and after appearing at the Dresden State Opera House, he spent three years at the State Opera House, Berlin, and the State Opera House, Vienna. He first appeared in operetta in 1923, in “Erasquita,” followed by appearances in "Paganini.” “Frederica,” "The Lovely World” and “The Song of Love” at the Metropol. Berlin. London first saw him in “The Land of Smiles” at the Drury Lane in 1931. In that year, too, he made his first appearance in New York in a concert at the Town Hall. In London again he scored a great success as Franz Schubert .in "Lilac Time.” and became a great attraction at the Royal Albert Hall concerts. His films include “The Right to Happiness.” "Blossom Time,” "Heart’s Desire” and “Pagliacci.” Estranged from his first wife. Carlotta Vanconti. for some time Tauber led a lonely existence until last year he fell in love with beautiful Diana Napier. They wanted to get married, but Tauber could not obtain the divorce he wanted. After an unhappy period of litigation, during which his private affairs were submitted to the merciless glare of publicity, the divorce was arranged and his marriage to Diana Napier took place three days before "Land Without Music” was due to start production. Diana Napier played opposite him in this film. In his dressing-room there is a piano, and on this, between scenes of the film, he composes the typically Viennese music that is often used in his films. In the corridors of the Denham studios, as he crosses from dressing-room to stage, his voice can be heard softly going over the songs. Music is his life, and he cannot live without it. He has curious light blue eyes and brown hair, and wears a monocle. Prefers cloaks to overcoats and wears them with distinction. Astonishes tough workmen on the set by displays of his strength. Loves motoring—outside built-up areas—taking moving pictures of his wife, and eating chocolates with a guilty air.