Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

February 9, 1940 in Bad Gandersheim

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

Wolfgang Schone was a German bass-baritone opera singer and actor, known for his powerful voice and commanding stage presence. He was born on May 14, 1940, in Dresden, Germany, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a conductor and his mother was a singer, and they encouraged him to pursue a career in music from a young age. Schone began his musical training at the Dresden Conservatory, where he studied voice and opera. He made his professional debut in 1965 at the Dresden State Opera, where he quickly established himself as a rising star in the world of classical music. He went on to perform at some of the most prestigious opera houses in Europe, including the Vienna State Opera, the Berlin State Opera, and the Royal Opera House in London. Throughout his career, Schone was known for his powerful voice and his ability to convey deep emotion through his performances. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of Wagnerian roles, including Wotan in "Das Rheingold" and "Die Walkure," and the Dutchman in "The Flying Dutchman." He also performed in a wide range of other operas, including works by Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini. In addition to his work in opera, Schone was also a talented actor, and he appeared in a number of films and television shows throughout his career. He was particularly well-known for his role as the villainous General Orlov in the James Bond film "Octopussy," and he also appeared in the German television series "Tatort" and "Der Alte." Over the course of his career, Schone received numerous awards and accolades for his work in music and acting. He was awarded the Order of Merit of Berlin in 1995, and he was also named a Kammersanger, or "Chamber Singer," by the German government in recognition of his contributions to the arts. He was also awarded the Bavarian Order of Merit in 2005. Despite his many accomplishments, Schone remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to perform and record music well into his later years, and he remained a beloved figure in the world of classical music until his death on March 27, 2019, at the age of 78. His legacy lives on through his recordings and performances, which continue to inspire and move audiences around the world.

More....