Franz Völker

Franz Völker was a German operatic tenor whose rich, heroic voice made him a star of the Wagnerian stage in the 1930s and ’40s. Born in 1899, he became celebrated for his commanding performances in roles like Siegmund (*Die Walküre*) and Florestan (*Fidelio*), blending power with lyrical warmth. A regular at major opera houses like Berlin and Vienna, Völker was also a fixture at the Bayreuth Festival, where his interpretations of Wagner’s heavy-hitting characters earned him legendary status. Beyond opera, he charmed audiences with lighter fare, dipping into operetta and art songs (Lieder) with equal flair.

Though his career peaked during a turbulent era, Völker’s recordings—preserved in collections like *Heroes and Heroines of Bayreuth* and *Lebendige Vergangenheit*—remain treasured by classical fans. Tracks like Florestan’s anguished aria from *Fidelio* showcase his vocal brilliance and dramatic intensity, while live recordings capture his magnetic stage presence. Even decades later, his voice still feels larger than life.

Genres

Opera

Latest Release

Wagner: Die Walküre, Act III & Excerpts

Richard Wagner•

Kirsten Flagstad•

Rudolf Bockelmann•

Maria Müller•

Franz Völker•

Wilhelm Furtwängler•

London Philharmonic Orchestra

Album - 40 Tracks - Released September 1, 2014