Eberhard Wächter

Eberhard Wächter was a powerhouse Austrian baritone who lit up opera stages from the 1950s to the 1980s with his rich voice and magnetic presence. Born in 1929, he became a staple at the Vienna State Opera and a favorite collaborator of legendary conductors like Herbert von Karajan, whose fiery 1962 *Pelléas et Mélisande* recording with Wächter remains iconic. Whether nailing Mozart’s cunning Count Almaviva (*Le nozze di Figaro*), raging through Wagner’s *Tannhäuser*, or bringing emotional depth to Verdi’s *Don Carlos*, Wächter’s versatility made him a go-to for both lyrical elegance and dramatic heft. His later career saw him take the reins as director of the Vienna State Opera, cementing his legacy as a true opera-world triple threat: singer, actor, and visionary leader. Though he passed away in 1992, live recordings of his performances—like that volcanic *Elektra* with Strauss’s intense score—still give listeners chills today.

Genres

Opera

Classical

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Latest Release

Brahms: Liebeslieder-Walzer; Neue Liebeslieder-Walzer

Johannes Brahms•

Waldemar Kmentt•

Eberhard Wächter•

Kathleen Ferrier•

Hans Gál

Album - 52 Tracks - Released January 17, 2025