Dorothy Kisten is renowned for her remarkable operatic stage presence, having spent 35 years singing at the world's most prestigious opera houses. Notably, her vocal health remained exceptional throughout her career, unlike many of her contemporaries.
In addition to her impressive opera career, Kisten also authored a charming book titled "A Time to Sing," in which she recounts her early aspirations to become a dancer and singer on Broadway. As an American-trained opera singer, she was uniquely gifted in her ability to seamlessly transition between opera and ballads.
Kisten's illustrious career at the Metropolitan Opera, a tenure that spanned an unprecedented thirty consecutive years, was marked by numerous iconic roles, including Tosca, Fanciulladel West, Louise, Traviata, Manon Lescaut, and Madama Butterfly, among many others. Unfortunately, her studio recordings were limited, and most CD editions feature her operettas, including collaborations with Gordon MacRae.
To access her MET performances, one must join an opera enthusiast list. Franco Corelli, a renowned tenor, has praised Kisten as the most beautiful and talented singer he ever had the pleasure of sharing the stage with. He fondly recalled her captivating performances as Tosca and Minnie, citing her irresistible charm and lack of temperamental behavior.
Kisten bid farewell to the opera stage twice, both times performing the role of Tosca. The first farewell took place in San Francisco in 1970, with James Levine conducting his first opera. The second farewell occurred in 1975 at the Met, where a telegram from President Ford was read onstage, congratulating her on her remarkable career.
Many of Kisten's live, immortal recordings can be found on Amazon or Tower, but enthusiasts are advised to visit the United Kingdom sites, as Met recordings are not available for sale in the US.
