Alfredo Kraus
Alfredo Kraus Trujillo, born on November 24, 1927, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, was a distinguished Spanish tenor renowned for his mastery of bel canto roles and his interpretation of Massenet's "Werther." His father, Otto Kraus Polensky, was Austrian, and his mother, Josefina Trujillo Mujica, was Spanish. Kraus began his musical journey with piano lessons at four and sang in a choir by eight. Despite studying Technical Industrial Engineering, his passion for music led him to pursue vocal training in Barcelona, Valencia, and Milan.
Kraus made his professional opera debut in 1956 in Cairo as the Duke in "Rigoletto," a role that became one of his signatures. His career flourished with performances in major opera houses worldwide, including Covent Garden, La Scala, and the Metropolitan Opera. He was celebrated for his roles in operas by Donizetti, Verdi, and Massenet, among others, and was particularly associated with the roles of Werther, Faust, and Don Ottavio.
Kraus was known for his refined musicianship, impeccable technique, and the ability to maintain his vocal prowess well into his 70s. He was also an advocate for Spanish zarzuela, recording and performing many works in this genre.
In addition to his stage career, Kraus appeared in films and taught extensively, sharing his expertise with younger generations. He continued performing until his wife's death in 1997, after which he took a brief hiatus. Kraus passed away on September 10, 1999, in Madrid, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest light lyric tenors of the 20th century.
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