The New York Times – Music:
One of the most esteemed singers of his era, he had a wide repertoire that included Mozart, Wagner and the title role in Messiaen’s epic “St. François d’Assise.”
Author: Jonathan Kandell
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Benita Valente, Acclaimed Bel Canto Soprano, Is Dead at 91
The New York Times – Music:
Her career spanned decades, included performances at the Metropolitan Opera and brought her effusive praise from critics and operaphiles.
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Rodion Shchedrin, Composer Who Captured Russia’s Soul, Dies at 92
The New York Times – Music:
He drew on Russian literature for his stage works and was an eager experimenter, inspired by folk tales, religious mysticism and melodrama.
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Paul Plishka, Prolific Soloist at the Met, Dies at 83
The New York Times – Music:
Known for his liquid bass tones and flawless diction, he appeared in 88 roles, many of them comic, over 1,672 performances at the Metropolitan Opera.
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Renata Scotto, Opera Diva Who Inhabited Roles, Dies at 89
The New York Times – Music:
Ms. Scotto, a leading Italian soprano, sang more than two dozen roles at the Metropolitan Opera and was a charismatic and demanding stage partner.
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Virginia Zeani, Versatile and Durable Soprano, Dies at 97
The New York Times – Music:
A noted Violetta in Verdi’s “La Traviata,” she had an equally noted second act as a singing teacher when her performing career ended.
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Jean-Louis Trintignant, Star of Celebrated European Films, Dies at 91
The New York Times – Film:
For 50 years, in movies like “A Man and a Woman” and “My Night at Maud’s,” his specialty was playing the flawed Everyman.