Interesting, overlooked, and significant obituaries from around the world, as they happen, emphasizing the positive achievements of those who have died. Member, Society of Professional Obituary Writers.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Jon Vickers
One of the great tenors of the 20th Century -- via the BBC. Essentially a heldentenor, and the most prominent one between Melchior and Heppner, Vickers's huge voice, presence, energy, and acting ability made him the go-to guy for Wagnerian opera in the second half of the century. (He refused to play Tannhauser on moral grounds.) Also a definitive Peter Grimes, and excellent in Verdi and others as well. Big, warm, sunny tone really expressed the character within. My first Enee in "Les Troyens," and still my favorite.
