Vienna State Opera soprano

Christel Goltz, 96, a soprano with the Vienna State Opera who performed in German-language roles across the world in the 1950s, died early Saturday in Baden, Austria, where she had lived since her retirement, the opera said.

Born in Germany, Goltz started her career at the State Opera in Dresden in 1936 but had her international breakthrough with a role in Richard Strauss’ “Salome” at the Vienna State Opera in 1944. She was also famed for her roles in Beethoven’s “Fidelio” and in works by Wagner and Verdi.

Goltz was part of the Vienna State Opera ensemble from 1950 until she retired in 1970. She also performed in Rome; London; and at the New York Metropolitan Opera.