A Tribute To Ernestine Schumann Heink

Originally Aired: December 23, 1936 Cavalcade of America #62, "A Tribute To Ernestine Schumann Heink," the program traces the early struggles of one of opera's most beloved figures as she fights to overcome poverty and prejudice on her path to greatness. Young Ernestine Rössler arrives in Vienna wearing a humble dress, her throat dry with fear as she auditions for the Imperial Opera director. Despite singing beautifully, the cruel director dismisses her, declaring her too homely and poor for his stage, advising her to buy a sewing machine and become a dressmaker instead. Years pass as Ernestine takes small roles in Dresden and Hamburg, raising four children after separating from her husband. Her big break finally arrives when prima donna Madame Goetze storms out of the Hamburg Opera in a rage just thirty minutes before curtain. Director Paulini desperately asks Ernestine if she can sing Carmen that very night. Though she has never performed the role on stage, Ernestine has studied it for years and declares she will either triumph or die trying, taking the stage in borrowed clothes to seize her long-awaited opportunity.