Death of international US tenor, 85
RIPThe impressive American tenor Kenneth Riegel died on June 28 at the age of 85.
He appeared at the Met more than 100 times, sang Alwa in the first complete Lulu in 1979 and created the role of the Leper in Messiaen’s Saint François d’Assise.
A great artist and the nicest person. We worked together in Bregenz for Zandonai’s “Francesca da Rimini,” he sang Malatestino brilliantly.
RIP. He was wonderful as Herod at ROH in 90s. His lines such as “Ich verbiete ihm, das zu tun.” conveyed the hysteria and weakness of the character perfectly.
Couldn’t agree more … what a great production! „Man töte dieses Weib!“ Unforgettable!!!
He is the benchmark …
Definitely the best Herod I’ve ever witnessed. R.I.P.
Excellent as Mephistopheles in Busoni’s Doktor Faust with an equally excellent Richard Stillwell at Wolf Trap amongst other performances
Wonderful, versatile artist. Sang in Chicago many times in the 70s & 80s with the CSO – Orchestra Hall and Ravinia – and Lyric Opera. Nice man. Recorded Berlioz’ Damnation of Faust with Solti and CSO.
A very underrated artist, with great characterization. If he had emerged during this current period dominated by overpromoted generic mediocrities he would rightly be recognized as vastly superior.
A great Herod, a definitive Alwa, and the warmest and most generous of colleagues. RIP.
I never personally knew Kenny. But, my wife & I live in the house that he was born & raised in. We bought it from his mother 27 years ago. A few of my relatives went to school with him.
He sang Doctor Marianus in Mahler 8 on multiple recordings:
Bernstein:
VPO Salzburg (Audio 1975)
VPO Vienna Konzerthaus (Video 1975)
Inbal
Levine (First part)
Ozawa
Tennstedt (1991 Festival Hall)