Opera has been one of the most popular forms of classical music for centuries, and its male singers have produced some of the most iconic performances in the history of music. From the soaring tenors of the bel canto repertoire to the powerful basses of Wagnerian opera, male opera singers have captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world. In this article, we will explore the top 20 famous male opera singers, from the legendary Enrico Caruso to the contemporary superstar Jonas Kaufmann. These singers have not only excelled in the traditional operatic repertoire but have also expanded the boundaries of classical music through collaborations with contemporary composers and performances in crossover genres. They have inspired and influenced generations of performers and music lovers, leaving an indelible mark on the history of classical music. Whether you are a long-time fan of opera or a newcomer to the genre, this list will introduce you to some of the greatest male singers of all time and provide a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of classical music.
1. Luciano Pavarotti
Luciano Pavarotti was an Italian tenor widely regarded as one of the most famous and influential opera singers of the 20th century. Born in Modena, Italy in 1935, he was known for his powerful and distinctive voice, which had a rich and resonant quality. Pavarotti rose to international fame in the 1970s and 1980s, performing in some of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of the roles of Rodolfo in Puccini’s “La Bohème” and Verdi’s “Rigoletto” and “Aida.” Pavarotti also became known for his charity work, especially his support for the humanitarian organization, “Pavarotti & Friends,” which raised millions of dollars for various causes. Pavarotti died in 2007 at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest singers of all time.
2. Plácido Domingo
Plácido Domingo is a Spanish tenor and conductor, known for his versatility and dynamic range. He was born in Madrid in 1941, and began his career as a baritone before switching to tenor. Domingo is one of the Three Tenors, alongside Pavarotti and José Carreras, who performed together at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, and have since become one of the most recognizable classical acts in the world. Domingo has performed in a wide range of operas, from Verdi to Wagner, and has won numerous awards and accolades for his work. He has also been active as a conductor, leading many of the world’s top orchestras. In addition to his musical career, Domingo has also been involved in numerous charitable organizations, including the International Relief Fund for the Afflicted and Needy and the American Cancer Society. Despite recent controversies, Domingo remains one of the most influential and celebrated opera singers of all time.
3. Andrea Bocelli
Andrea Bocelli is an Italian tenor, songwriter, and producer. He was born in Tuscany in 1958, and has been blind since he was a child due to a football accident. Despite his visual impairment, Bocelli became a superstar in the classical music world, and has sold over 90 million records worldwide. He is known for his powerful and emotive voice, and his ability to sing in a wide range of musical styles, from opera to pop. Some of his most famous works include “Con te partirò” and “Vivo per lei,” which have become iconic songs around the world. Bocelli is also an active philanthropist, and has supported many charitable causes, including the fight against poverty, disease, and discrimination.
4. Enrico Caruso
Enrico Caruso was an Italian tenor and one of the most popular opera singers of the early 20th century. He was born in Naples in 1873, and began his career singing in various operas throughout Italy. Caruso’s powerful voice and expressive style made him a sensation, and he soon became a sought-after performer in opera houses across Europe and America. He recorded over 260 songs during his career, including many operatic arias that are still popular today. Caruso’s voice was renowned for its clarity and precision, and he was able to convey a wide range of emotions through his singing. Caruso died in 1921 at the age of 48, but his legacy as one of the greatest singers of all time has endured.
5. Franco Corelli
Franco Corelli was an Italian tenor known for his dramatic and passionate performances. He was born in 1921 in Ancona, Italy, and began his career as a baritone before switching to tenor. Corelli was particularly renowned for his performances of Verdi and Puccini operas, and his voice was known for its powerful, ringing quality. He performed in many of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera, and was considered one of the greatest tenors of his generation. Corelli retired from singing in the 1970s, but continued to be involved in the opera world as a teacher and mentor. He died in 2003 at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important tenors in the history of opera.
6. Mario Lanza
Mario Lanza was an American tenor and Hollywood film star, born in 1921 in Philadelphia. Lanza began singing at a young age, and his vocal talent was quickly recognized. He studied at the Curtis Institute of Music and made his operatic debut in 1942. Lanza’s voice was known for its powerful and emotional qualities, with a rich tone and impressive range. He became an overnight sensation after appearing in the 1950 film “The Toast of New Orleans,” and went on to star in several other films, including “The Great Caruso” and “Serenade.” Lanza’s music was popular with both classical music enthusiasts and mainstream audiences, and his recordings sold millions of copies. Despite his success, Lanza struggled with personal issues, including a battle with alcoholism, and died at the young age of 38 in 1959. However, his legacy lives on, and he is remembered as one of the most talented and influential tenors of the 20th century.
7. Lawrence Brownlee
Lawrence Brownlee is an American operatic tenor, known for his exquisite vocal technique and powerful stage presence. Born in 1972 in Ohio, Brownlee began singing in church and went on to study music at Indiana University. He made his professional debut in 2002 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented young tenors of his generation. Brownlee has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and the Royal Opera House in London. He is particularly known for his performances in the works of composer Rossini, but has also sung a wide range of other operatic repertoire. In addition to his operatic work, Brownlee is also an advocate for bringing classical music to a wider audience, and has collaborated with musicians from other genres, including jazz and gospel. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the Marian Anderson Award and the Opera News Award.
8. Alfie Boe
Alfie Boe is an English tenor who has become a popular figure in the classical and pop music worlds. Born in Lancashire in 1973, Boe began his career in musical theater before transitioning to opera. He is known for his rich and versatile voice, and has performed in a wide range of operas and musicals, including “Les Misérables” and “La Bohème.” Boe has released several successful albums, and has become known for his ability to bridge the gap between classical and contemporary music. He has also been active as a philanthropist, supporting various charitable organizations, including the Teenage Cancer Trust.
9. Jonas Kaufmann
Jonas Kaufmann is a German tenor known for his powerful and expressive voice. Born in Munich in 1969, Kaufmann has performed in many of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera. He is particularly renowned for his performances of Wagner and Verdi operas, and has won numerous awards and accolades for his work. Kaufmann has also released several successful albums, including recordings of popular opera arias and songs. In addition to his musical career, Kaufmann is an active supporter of various charitable causes, including refugee aid organizations.
10. Jose Carreras
Jose Carreras is a Spanish tenor who is best known as one of the Three Tenors, alongside Pavarotti and Domingo. Born in Barcelona in 1946, Carreras began his career as a child prodigy, performing in operas throughout Spain. He rose to international fame in the 1970s and 1980s, and became known for his powerful and emotive voice. Carreras was diagnosed with leukemia in 1987, but after successful treatment, he returned to the stage and continued to perform for many years. He is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly his support of cancer research organizations. Today, Carreras is considered one of the greatest tenors of his generation, and his legacy as a performer and humanitarian continues to inspire people around the world.
11. John Holiday
John Holiday is an American countertenor known for his incredible vocal range and versatility. Born in 1985 in Texas, Holiday began singing in church and went on to study music at Southern Methodist University and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He has since performed at major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera and the Paris Opera, and has received critical acclaim for his performances in both operatic and concert repertoire. Holiday is also known for his collaborations with contemporary composers and his dedication to promoting diversity in classical music. In 2020, he gained national attention as a contestant on the television show “The Voice,” where he made history as the first countertenor to compete on the show.
12. Alfredo Kraus
Alfredo Kraus was a Spanish tenor known for his elegant vocal style and interpretation of the bel canto repertoire. Born in 1927 in the Canary Islands, Kraus began his career as a baritone before transitioning to the tenor repertoire. He quickly gained recognition for his performances in operas by Rossini, Donizetti, and Bellini, and went on to perform at major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and the Royal Opera House in London. Kraus was known for his purity of tone and precise phrasing, and was highly regarded for his interpretations of the roles of Werther and Don Ottavio. He remained active in opera until his death in 1999, and was remembered as one of the great tenors of the 20th century.
13. Morris Robinson
Morris Robinson is an American bass known for his powerful and resonant voice. Born in 1969 in Georgia, Robinson began singing in church and went on to study music at the Citadel and the Curtis Institute of Music. He has since performed at major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Paris Opera, and the Royal Opera House in London. Robinson is particularly known for his performances in the works of composer Verdi, and has received critical acclaim for his portrayals of roles such as Sarastro in “The Magic Flute” and Porgy in “Porgy and Bess.” In addition to his operatic work, Robinson is also known for his collaborations with contemporary composers and his dedication to promoting diversity in classical music. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the Marian Anderson Award and the Richard Tucker Award.
14. Wynne Evans
Wynne Evans is a Welsh tenor who has become a popular figure in both the classical and commercial music worlds. Born in Carmarthen in 1972, Evans began his career as an opera singer, performing in various productions throughout the UK. He is perhaps best known for his appearances in a series of humorous commercials for a mobile phone company, in which he sings popular operatic arias with comedic lyrics. Evans has also released several successful albums, and is known for his versatile and expressive voice. In addition to his musical career, Evans is also an actor and television presenter.
15. Juan Diego Flórez
Juan Diego Flórez is a Peruvian tenor known for his virtuosic performances of bel canto operas. Born in Lima in 1973, Flórez began his career as a child performer, singing in various choirs and musical groups. He rose to international fame in the 1990s and has since performed in many of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera. Flórez is particularly renowned for his performances of Rossini operas, and his voice is known for its agility, brightness, and range. He has won numerous awards and accolades for his work, and has also released several successful albums.
16. Dmitri Hvorostovsky
Dmitri Hvorostovsky was a Russian baritone known for his powerful and dramatic performances. Born in Krasnoyarsk in 1962, Hvorostovsky began his career as a singer in various opera houses in Russia. He rose to international fame in the 1990s and became known for his performances of Russian operas, particularly those by Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky. Hvorostovsky was also known for his charismatic stage presence and his striking appearance, with his long hair and chiseled features. He recorded over 40 albums during his career, and won numerous awards and accolades for his work. Hvorostovsky passed away in 2017 at the age of 55, but his legacy as one of the greatest baritones of all time continues to inspire audiences around the world.
17. Rolando Villazón
Rolando Villazón is a Mexican tenor known for his energetic and passionate performances. Born in Mexico City in 1972, Villazón began his career as a baritone before transitioning to a tenor. He has performed in many of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera. Villazón is particularly known for his performances of French and Italian opera, and his voice is characterized by its warmth, clarity, and agility. He has also released several successful albums and is known for his engaging and charismatic stage presence.
18. Beniamino Gigli
Beniamino Gigli was an Italian tenor who is considered one of the greatest singers of the 20th century. Born in Recanati in 1890, Gigli began his career as a singer in various Italian opera houses. He rose to international fame in the 1920s and 1930s and became known for his performances of operas by Verdi and Puccini. Gigli was known for his smooth and lyrical voice, which was particularly suited to romantic and sentimental repertoire. He recorded over 400 songs during his career, and his recordings continue to be popular among classical music enthusiasts today.
19. Jussi Björling
Jussi Björling was a Swedish tenor known for his powerful and expressive performances. Born in Stora Tuna in 1911, Björling began his career as a child performer before rising to international fame in the 1930s and 1940s. He was particularly known for his performances of operas by Verdi and Puccini, and his voice was characterized by its clarity, purity, and emotional intensity. Björling recorded extensively during his career and is still considered one of the greatest tenors of all time. He passed away in 1960 at the age of 49, but his legacy as a singer continues to inspire audiences around the world.
20. Giuseppe Di Stefano
Giuseppe Di Stefano was an Italian tenor known for his passionate and expressive performances. Born in Sicily in 1921, Di Stefano began his career as a singer in various Italian opera houses. He rose to international fame in the 1950s and 1960s and became known for his performances of operas by Verdi and Puccini. Di Stefano was known for his powerful and dramatic voice, which was characterized by its richness and intensity. He recorded extensively during his career and is still considered one of the greatest tenors of the 20th century. Di Stefano passed away in 2008 at the age of 86, but his legacy as a singer continues to be celebrated by classical music enthusiasts.
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