Jean Madeira (1918-1972) was an American mezzo-soprano and contralto, especially associated with Wagner and dramatic repertory. She sang for many seasons at the Metropolitan Opera.

In the Pristine catalogue she appears repeatedly in Leinsdorf’s Met Ring cycle and Knappertsbusch’s 1956 Bayreuth Ring.

Madeira’s singing brought dark colour, vocal strength and theatrical authority to Wagner’s lower female roles. She could make ensemble writing feel dramatically anchored.

Her page is essential. Madeira gives the Wagner shelf a mezzo line with black velvet and iron stitching.