Birth

:

February 22, 1903 in Baltimore, MD

Death

:

July 9, 1972 in Concord, CA

Genre

:

Opera

 

Robert Weede was an American operatic baritone who was born on November 22, 1903, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the son of a German immigrant father and an American mother. Weede grew up in a musical family, and his father was a professional musician who played the violin and the piano. Weede started singing at a young age and was a member of the choir at his local church. Weede attended the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, where he studied voice and music theory. After graduating, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in opera. He made his debut in 1929 at the Metropolitan Opera as the Herald in Wagner's "Lohengrin." Weede quickly became a favorite of audiences and critics alike, and he went on to perform in many of the world's leading opera houses, including La Scala in Milan, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. One of Weede's most famous roles was that of Baron Scarpia in Puccini's "Tosca." He performed this role over 200 times during his career and was widely regarded as one of the greatest interpreters of the character. Weede also had a successful career in musical theater, appearing in productions of "The King and I," "South Pacific," and "The Sound of Music." Weede was known for his powerful voice and his ability to convey emotion through his singing. He was also a skilled actor and was able to bring depth and nuance to his performances. Weede was particularly admired for his ability to portray complex characters, such as Scarpia, who was both a villain and a tragic figure. Throughout his career, Weede received many awards and honors. In 1951, he was awarded the Handel Medallion by the City of New York for his contributions to the arts. He was also a recipient of the National Opera Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1981. Weede continued to perform well into his 80s, and his last performance was in 1989, when he was 86 years old. He died on January 9, 1972, in New York City, at the age of 68. Weede's legacy lives on through his recordings and performances, which continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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