Gérard Souzay, born Gérard Marcel Tisserand on December 8, 1918, in Angers, France, is heralded as one of the foremost French baritones of the 20th century. Renowned for his rich timbre and exquisite diction, Souzay brought an unparalleled level of expression and musicianship to the art song repertoire. A graduate of the Paris Conservatoire, where he won first prizes in both opera and song, he began his international career in the late 1940s and quickly became distinguished for his interpretation of French mélodies, German Lieder, and for his performances in oratorios and operas.

His extensive discography is a testament to the versatility of his musical genius, with highlights including his celebrated renditions of Gabriel Fauré’s "Requiem," Schumann’s "Liederkreis," and arias by Handel, Rameau, and Lully. His 1960 ‘Liederabend’ showcased Souzay’s fluency in the German song repertoire, while performances such as the live recording of Debussy’s "Pelléas et Mélisande" from 1969 demonstrate his capacity for dramatic narrative in opera. His collaboration with other noted artists, like soprano Elly Ameling in Hugo Wolf’s "Italienisches Liederbuch," captured the spirited dialogue of the art song duet. Gérard Souzay's contribution to vocal music has been honored by many, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to influence classical singers and enthusiasts around the world.

Genres

Art Song

Classical Baritone

Latest Release

Fauré: Requiem, Op. 48 by Ernest Ansermet (Remastered 2022, Geneva 1955)

Gabriel Fauré•

Gérard Souzay

Album - 7 Tracks - Released April 4, 2023