Benno Kusche

**Benno Kusche** was a German baritone whose rich voice and expressive stage presence made him a standout in mid-20th-century opera. Born in 1916, Kusche became a fixture at major European opera houses, particularly known for his Mozart roles like Figaro in *Le nozze di Figaro* and Count Almaviva. His collaborations with legends like conductor Karl Böhm and singer Elisabeth Schwarzkopf cemented his reputation in works by Strauss, Wagner, and Korngold—evident in recordings like *Die tote Stadt* and live excerpts from *Die Fledermaus*.

Kusche’s warm, flexible tone and knack for comic timing made him a favorite in both lyrical and dramatic roles. He thrived in historical recordings like the 1950 *Figaro* and Otto Klemperer’s *Don Giovanni*, blending polished technique with lively character work. Though he passed away in 1988, his legacy lives on through these iconic performances, showcasing a baritone who could charm audiences in Mozart one moment and dive into Wagner’s depth the next.

Genres

Opera

Latest Release

Palestrina - Julius Patzak

Hans Pfitzner•

Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper•

Ferdinand Frantz•

Franz Klarwein•

Hans Hotter•

Albrecht Peter•

Rudolf Wünzer•

Benno Kusche•

Willy Schmitz•

Adolf Keil•

Ingrid Steger

Album - 39 Tracks - Released September 2, 2022