100 Greatest Singers: ALFREDO KRAUS

THIS PROJECT IS RESERVED ONLY FOR THE GREATEST! What do you think to find Kraus in this list? Please comment!

Alfredo Kraus, Tenor (1927-1999)

Giuseppe Verdi - Rigoletto
Possente amor
(Recorded 1963)

My personal opinion: Some said, his tone was dry, his sound brittle. For me, Kraus was a truly great tenor, with style and an aristocratic attitude. Of course his most famous role was the duke we hear here in his 1963 performance under Solti (with the high D!). But he inspired my mind as Gennaro in Donizettis "Lucrezia Borgia" as well as Tonio in "Daughter" - may I say, the only one who came close to Pavarotti? Kraus was the last tenore di grazia, a real grandseigneur of opera. What do you mean?

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Category:

Music

Tags:

• Alfredo
• Kraus
• Belcanto
• Verdi
• Rigoletto
• Donizetti
• Tenore
• di
• grazia

[Pollione88]

A sad thing is that many people know Kraus only from recordings like this one when he was quite old and past his prime. He sounds thin and developed a slight wobble. But his early recordings (you can find them here on Youtube) are what he should be remembered for: youthful, clear, vibrant, always on pitch (not to high like Pavarotti sometimes) and beautifully even and relaxed.

[100Singers]

Kraus past his time? In a record that was made in 1963 when he was only 36? Mmh...

[tena2]

I agree, but only in his repertory, Carreras and Domingo, Aragall, Fleta, Lavirgen etc when young were excellent artist too. But Kraus had to my knowledge a more advanced understanding of voice and tecnique. Also Kraus was not concerned of fame and money, only service to music unlike others, this makes a lot of a person. Thanks.

[profgv]

One of the greatest tenors ever.

A class act.

I was at his Met debut. He did not come to New York often.

[SchallundWahn]

He has a voice I always liked, because it's different from the typical tenor-cliché and very sophisticated.

He is the best duca in "Rigoletto"

[javmex2003]

the best tenor in his repertoire no doubt, we cannot say that he or other is the best tenor of all times, we can`t compare kraus with corelli, or florez with villazon because they are so very different, we have to listen and enjoy them all !!

[Agorante]

I heard him in this role at about this same time. You are right about the voice. It wasn't warm or lush. The critics at the time termed it "lemon and honey".

He was much better than Pavarotti in the same production of Elixer except the aria. Pavarotti's voice was just so much more lovely. But Pavarotti hadn't internalized the part. He always was tentative in new roles. Pavarotti sounded better years later on TV when he had finally mastered the music.

[hazelssister]

Franco Corelli is the best but Alfredo Kraus  has a pleasing voice .

[SupBA]

Do I think Kaus should be on the list? You betcha. I love his singing. He is natural and very pleasant to listen to.

[sintin23]

I think he is an excellent tenor and is one of the best in his class, along with Pavarotti, Domingo, Caruso, and Björling. He was not as warm as Pavarotti or as intense and passionate as Domingo, but perfect in his own way.

[presbyterosBassI]

He sang with an excellent foundation, which took him past the age of 65! Even then, he was a more than acceptable romantic lead. There is a CD of arias, all recorded in the studio when was about 67 years old. Great style and musicianship.

[adiventini]

L'ultimo grande tenore di grazia!!!!

[osinging]

@HadrienB Course he is.