Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Slezak, Leo

SLEZAK, LEO, an Austrian singer, born at Mährisch-Schönberg, in 1876. He early developed musical talent and when only 17 years of age made his first appearance as &ldquo;Lohengrin.&rdquo; He sang in Berlin in 1898 with great success, and for seven years succeeding was a member of the Vienna Opera. In 1908 he began studying with Jean de Reszke, and in the following year made a remarkable success at Covent Garden, London. This was followed by his engagement, lasting a number of years, at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. He was especially excellent in the Wagner operas and in many of the Italian operas.