Aage Haugland

Aage Haugland (1944–2000) was a Danish operatic bass celebrated for his commanding voice and vivid stage presence, particularly in dramatic and character roles. Born in Copenhagen, he became a staple at major European opera houses, tackling heavyweight repertoire like Wagner’s *Twilight of the Gods* (as Hagen) and Shostakovich’s *Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk* (as Boris). His rich, resonant tone and knack for darkly complex characters made him a standout in Russian operas, including Mussorgsky’s *Songs*, and he brought equal intensity to Scandinavian works like Nielsen’s *Maskarade*.

Haugland’s versatility stretched beyond opera—he recorded Danish folk and holiday tunes like *Jul i den gamle vandmølle* (Christmas in the Old Watermill), showcasing his warmth and cultural roots. Though best known for his brooding Wagnerian villains and tragic figures, he balanced this with sly humor in comedic roles. His legacy lives on through recordings that capture his gritty theatricality and vocal power, cementing him as one of Scandinavia’s most distinctive basses of the late 20th century.

Genres

Opera

Requiem

Latest Release

Shostakovich: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk

Dmitri Shostakovich•

Aage Haugland•

Philip Langridge•

Maria Ewing•

Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris•

Myung-Whun Chung

Album - 28 Tracks - Released January 1, 2010