Wolfgang Brendel

Wolfgang Brendel is a celebrated German operatic baritone whose rich, versatile voice and dramatic flair made him a staple of the classical world from the 1970s onward. Born in Munich in 1947, Brendel trained at his hometown’s Hochschule für Musik und Theater before skyrocketing to fame with performances at major houses like the Bavarian State Opera, Vienna State Opera, and New York’s Metropolitan Opera. Known for his commanding stage presence, he’s tackled everything from Verdi’s tormented Count di Luna (*Il trovatore*) to Strauss’s wryly cynical Eisenstein (*Die Fledermaus*), proving equally at home in fiery verismo roles (*Cavalleria rusticana*, *Pagliacci*) and nuanced German repertoire like Brahms’s *Ein deutsches Requiem*.

Brendel’s recordings, including live performances from the Bayerische Staatsoper, showcase his knack for blending technical precision with emotional depth—whether he’s brooding through Tchaikovsky’s *Eugene Onegin* or soaring in Berlioz’s *Benvenuto Cellini*. While he officially retired from the stage in the 2000s, his legacy endures as a singer who made even the most demanding roles feel thrillingly human.

Genres

Opera

Latest Release

Verdi: Il trovatore

Giuseppe Verdi•

Wolfgang Brendel•

Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper•

Bavarian State Orchestra•

Giuseppe Sinopoli

Album - 32 Tracks - Released July 1, 2016