Archives & History
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Searching for Lost Films of long ago
Marta Eggerth and Jan Kiepura made well over fifty-five movies in six languages between 1929 and 1957. As we approach 2030 - it will be 100 years since both Marta and Jan made their first sound movies and we are now searching for those few films that are lost or damaged.
Lost Films of long ago - stories, photos and sound clips → Marta singing the famed Robert Stolz song "Ich Liebe Dich"
Polish tenor Jan Kiepura 1902 - 1966
We commemorate the anniversary of Jan Kiepura's passing on August 15, 1966. Here is Jan Kiepura's adaptation of Frederic Chopin's "Raindrop Prelude" which he sang as an aria entitled "Prayer for Poland". He sang this aria in concerts dedicated to the destruction and horrific loss of lives in Poland during World War II.
Jan Kiepura and Marta Eggerth sing "Ich liebe Dich"
- "I love you" from their blockbuster 1937 movie "Zauber der Bohème" the "Magic of Bohème" written for the film by renowned Operetta composer Robert Stolz. Watch this iconic scene where Marta and Jan fall in love.The film based on Puccini's opera "La Bohème" parallels the story of Rodolfo and Mimi with the movie characters Denise and Rene played Marta Eggerth and Jan Kiepura.. René, a struggling singer living a Bohemian life with other artists in Paris, falls in love with a neighbor Denise In this clip Jan Kiepura sings what became a very big hit. The message is "what do I love you about you, your eyes, your lips, I don't know" "I love you"
Ich Liebe Dich - composer Robert Stolz, Lyrics Ernst Marischka - 1937Marta and Jan singing together a brilliantly co-ordinated duet
Mozart's Marcha Turka from the 1949 French film Valse Brilliante.In the film Marta is being pursued by some unsavory characters so she has a bodyguard to whom she becomes attracted played by none other than Jan Kiepura. BUT she suspects that there may be another woman in his life and so she gets her revenge in the most hilarious way while singing gloriously.
Classic Marta and Jan a real tour de force.Marta sings 'Es liegt so im Blute Drin' (It's in my Blood)
From the film, Blonde Carmen or the Blond Carmen, made in 1934, this clip not only shows off Marta as a soprano and actress but incredibly demonstrates her talents as a comedienne. Marta had started her acting and singing career at age 10 so her multi-faceted talents are not surprising as she worked with many of the very talented cabaret artists in Vienna and Berlin before the war.
Music: Franz Grothe - lyrics Hans Hannes and Willi DehmelCelebrating Jan Kiepura's birthday
born in Sosnowiec Poland May 16 1902
Watch Jan singing "Weine nicht" from the movie Zauber der Bohème composed by the famed Operetta composer Robert Stolz especially for Jan in this famous classic.
Song "Weine nicht" translates to "Don't Cry". All opera singers wanted to make movies and Jan Kiepura's strikingly good looks made him the perfect movie star. Robert Stolz wrote popular songs for Jan Kiepura to fit within the story line of his movies including this beautiful song for "Zauber der Bohème" where the film parallels the real story of Puccini's opera "La Bohème".
Eternal and beloved Divas
Celebrating Marta's birthday April 17th
• Remebering Marta, Licia Albanese, Maria Jeritza and Alfred Hubay
• Watch Marta sing her own arrangement of the Merry Widow MedleyWatch Marta singing a beautiful Springtime song
Marta sings: "An dem Reinsten Frülingsmorgen Ging die schaeferin" (The Shepherd Girls go out on a perfect Spring Morning) - music by Edmund Nick (1891-1974). The lyrics based on the famous poem "Die Spröde" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. From the 1936 film Das Hofconzert. Of interest is that the film Director was Detlef Sierck who emigrated to the USA and had a very successful Hollywood career as Douglas Sirk making movies such as "All that Heaven Allows". Enjoy this beautiful Spring song that Marta always enjoyed singing.
- Jan Kiepura performance of "Celeste Aida" on the American radio program The Magic Key of RCA.
Jan Kiepura is heard in a live and unpublished performance of "Celeste Aida" on the American radio program The Magic Key of RCA on February 12, 1939 hosted by the legendary radio announcer Milton Cross. Watch the video → 
'Once There Was a Waltz'
1932 Operetta for Film with songs especially written for Marta Eggerth by Franz Lehár. Historic film clips and the story of those who created the artistry and genius in the early European sound movies.- 'Once There Was a Waltz' Part 2
Franz Lehár's magnificent Operetta for film "Once there was a Waltz" continues with film clips showing the happy ending starring Marta Eggerth and famous tenor Marcel Wittrisch - The Fascinating Story of Marta Eggerth and Film Director Ladislao Vajda
...includes video trailer and a personal story by Jane Knox-Kiepura: 'How I knew Ladislao Vajda in Spain'. - Happy New Year!
The cast and crew of Marta Eggerth's first movie, the musical comedy "Die Bräutigams Witwe" (The Bridegroom's Widow) wishing everyone a Happy New Year from Elstree Studios in December 1930. - Merry Christmas!
The cast and crew of Marta Eggerth's first movie, the musical comedy "Die Bräutigams Witwe" "The Bridegroom's Widow" wishing everyone a Merry Christmas from Elstree Studios in December 1930. 
Marta Eggerth and Hans Jaray star in the film Leise Flehen Meine Lieder (Softly my songs implore )
Franz Schubert, played by Hans Jaray becomes a tutor to the aristocratic Esterhazy family. Countess Karoline Esterhazy, played by Marta Eggerth, had initially angered Schubert when she interrupted his performance at the Estate.- Jan Kiepura in 'La Bohème' - 1929
Jan Kiepura was only 27 years old in 1929 when he sang the leading tenor role of Rodolfo from La Bohème at the renowned Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires to great acclaim. Here he is singing the famous aria "Che gelida manina" - music by Giacomo Puccini. Audio sample included. 
Remembering Marta Eggerth's Friends: Béla Dajos (1897-1978)
VIDEO: Marta Eggerth with Bela Dajos Tanz Orchester in the movie "Ein Lied, ein Kuss, ein Mädel"
AUDIO: Marta Eggerth sings EIN LIED, EIN KUSS, EIN MAEDEL with Bela Dajo's Tanz Orchester
Marta singing the famed Robert Stolz song "Ich Liebe Dich" on the occasion of the unveiling of a bronze bust of Jan Kiepura at the Vienna State Opera in May 1989. She is accompanied by our dear friend and colleague the renowned pianist Ronald Schneider. In the audience our beloved Einzi Stolz (1912-2004) whose memory we hold so dear, along with Marcel Prawy (1911-2003) who hosted the event.