Matti Salminen is a distinguished Finnish bass singer known for his powerful voice and commanding presence on the opera stage. Born on July 7, 1945, in Turku, Finland, Salminen has established himself as one of the leading operatic basses of his time, particularly celebrated for his interpretations of Wagnerian roles. His deep, resonant voice is perfectly suited to the demands of Richard Wagner's compositions, as evidenced by his performances in "Götterdämmerung," "Siegfried," and "Der fliegende Holländer" among others. Salminen's repertoire, however, is not confined to Wagner alone; he has also garnered acclaim for his performances in works by Finnish composers and his deep engagement with the music of Modest Mussorgsky.

Throughout his illustrious career, Matti Salminen has performed on many of the world's leading opera stages, including the Bayreuth Festival, where he became a fixture for his exceptional portrayals of Wagner's most demanding bass roles. Beyond the opera house, Salminen is admired for his concert performances and recordings, with works ranging from the traditional Christmas songs of Finland in "Kauneimmat Joululaulut" to the profound depths of "Songs and Dances of Death" by Mussorgsky. His contribution to music is not just limited to his voice; Salminen's ability to convey the emotional depth and complexity of his roles has left a lasting impact on audiences and musicians alike. As a recording artist, he has participated in numerous acclaimed albums, capturing the essence of his live performances for posterity and earning a revered place in the annals of operatic history.

Genres

Classical Bass

Latest Release

Wagner: Götterdämmerung (Twilight of the Gods)

Richard Wagner•

Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin•

Marek Janowski•

Matti Salminen•

Jochen Schmeckenbecher

Album - 54 Tracks - Released November 19, 2013