Kostas Paskalis

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Kostas Paskalis (born September 1, 1929 in Levadia , Greece ; † February 9, 2007 near Athens ) was a Greek opera singer . In the 1960s and 1970s, he was considered one of the best baritones in the world.

Life

Paskalis studied piano at the Conservatory in Athens , at the same time took singing lessons and made his debut in 1951 at the Athens Opera in the title role of Verdi's Rigoletto , which should remain one of his most brilliant games. In 1958 he sang for the first time at the Vienna State Opera , to which he remained loyal throughout his international career. He had further stage successes at La Scala in Milan , at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden in London and at the Metropolitan Opera New York . He was also a frequent guest at the Glyndebourne Festival and in 1966 took part in the world premiere of Hans Werner Henze's Die Bassariden at the Salzburg Festival .

Paskalis particularly shone in the Italian dramatic field, such as Marquis Posa in Verdi's Don Carlos , as Count Luna in Trovatore (Troubadour) , as Rigoletto and Nabucco , but also as Scarpia in Puccini's Tosca and as Tonio in Leoncavallo's Pagliacci (The Bajazzo) .

His powerful, dark-timbred voice felt most comfortable in the middle register, and it was not infrequently necessary to force in the high register. The robust organ was not flexible enough for Mozart's Don Giovanni , which he nonetheless sang over and over again, and not deep enough for Escamillo in Bizet's Carmen , which was one of his most important roles. But technical shortcomings were always made up for by his impressive acting presence and passionate design.

Kostas Paskalis was married to the soprano Marina Krilovici. He was appointed chamber singer of the Vienna State Opera and was artistic director of the Athens Opera in the 1980s. Since the end of his stage career , he has been teaching up- and- coming singers in Vienna . He lived in Kifissia , Athens .

Discography (selection)

personal data
SURNAME Paskalis, Kostas
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Greek opera singer
DATE OF BIRTH September 1, 1929
PLACE OF BIRTH Levadia , Greece
DATE OF DEATH February 9, 2007
Place of death near Athens