Ludwig was most prominently associated with the Vienna State Opera and the Salzburg Festival, but she also sang at the Met. She “rose from straitened origins in a shattered wartime Germany to the height of the singing world, aided by a sense of discipline instilled by her strong-willed mother — her only real teacher and a constant presence throughout her career. … Onstage, Ms. Ludwig brought a striking combination of acting ability, charisma and vocal beauty. Her voice had range and power, a security through all the registers and a broad array of colors.”- The New York Times