Country

:

France

Birth

:

January 4, 1893 in Toulouse, France

Death

:

May 25, 1966 in Clichy-sous-Bois, Seine-Saint-Denis, France

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

André Baugé was a French baritone who was born on December 23, 1893, in Toulouse, France. He was the son of a music teacher and began his musical training at a young age. Baugé studied at the Toulouse Conservatory and later at the Paris Conservatory, where he was a student of the renowned baritone Jean Lassalle. Baugé made his professional debut in 1919 at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, where he sang the role of Escamillo in Georges Bizet's Carmen. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the leading baritones of his time, known for his rich, warm voice and his dramatic stage presence. Throughout his career, Baugé performed in many of the world's leading opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. He was particularly renowned for his performances in the operas of Mozart, Verdi, and Massenet. One of Baugé's most notable performances was in the role of Figaro in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, which he first performed in 1924 at the Opéra-Comique. He went on to perform the role in many other productions throughout his career, including at the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Baugé was also known for his performances in the operas of Jules Massenet, particularly in the role of Lescaut in Manon. He first performed the role in 1923 at the Opéra-Comique and went on to perform it in many other productions throughout his career. In addition to his work in opera, Baugé was also a popular concert singer. He performed in many recitals throughout his career, often accompanied by his wife, the pianist Germaine Martinelli. Baugé was particularly renowned for his performances of French art songs, including those by Gabriel Fauré and Claude Debussy. Baugé's career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the French army. After the war, he returned to the stage and continued to perform until his death in 1948 at the age of 54. Throughout his career, Baugé received many honors and awards for his contributions to classical music. In 1935, he was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, one of France's highest honors. He was also awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for his recordings of French art songs. Today, André Baugé is remembered as one of the greatest baritones of the 20th century. His rich, warm voice and dramatic stage presence continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

More....