Birth

:

July 5, 1934 in Helsinki, Finland

Death

:

December 6, 2013

Genre

:

Opera

 

Tom Krause was a Finnish bass-baritone who was born on July 5, 1934, in Helsinki, Finland. He was the son of a Finnish mother and a German father. Krause grew up in a musical family, and his father was a well-known conductor in Finland. Krause began his musical training at a young age, studying piano and singing in the choir at his local church. Krause's professional career began in 1956 when he joined the Finnish National Opera as a member of the chorus. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his debut as a soloist in 1959, singing the role of Colline in Puccini's "La Bohème." Krause's powerful voice and commanding stage presence quickly made him a favorite among audiences and critics alike. In 1960, Krause made his international debut at the Glyndebourne Festival in England, singing the role of Figaro in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." This performance was a major success, and Krause was soon in demand at opera houses around the world. He went on to perform at many of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. Krause was known for his versatility as a singer, and he was equally at home performing in operas, oratorios, and lieder. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of the works of Mozart, Schubert, and Mahler. Krause's performances were marked by his rich, warm voice, impeccable technique, and deep emotional expressiveness. Throughout his career, Krause received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1974, he was awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland, one of the country's highest honors. He was also awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal in 1984, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the arts. One of Krause's most memorable performances was his portrayal of the title character in Mozart's "Don Giovanni." Krause's interpretation of the role was widely regarded as one of the finest of his generation, and he performed it to great acclaim at many of the world's leading opera houses. His performance of the famous aria "Deh, vieni alla finestra" is still considered one of the definitive interpretations of the piece. Krause was also known for his work as a teacher and mentor to young singers. He taught at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and was a frequent guest lecturer at music schools around the world. Many of his students went on to have successful careers in the opera world, and Krause was widely respected for his dedication to the development of young talent. Krause retired from performing in 1999, after a career that spanned more than four decades. He continued to be active in the music world, however, and remained a beloved figure among his colleagues and fans. He passed away on December 6, 2013, at the age of 79. In conclusion, Tom Krause was a Finnish bass-baritone who had a long and distinguished career in the world of classical music. He was known for his powerful voice, impeccable technique, and deep emotional expressiveness. Krause performed at many of the world's leading opera houses and was widely regarded as one of the finest singers of his generation. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music and was also known for his work as a teacher and mentor to young singers. Krause's legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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