Bayreuth’s American hero is taking early retirement
NewsThe imposing American heldentenor Stephen Gould has announced his retirement from singing ‘due to health reasons’.
He is 62 and was forced to cancel several roles this summer at Bayreuth.
In a statement issued by his agency, Gould said: ‘I look back with gratitude on my thirty-year career and the encounters and collaborations with many outstanding artistic personalities.’
This is sad news – one of the few who could actually sing the role of Tristan with voice intact at the end!
At 62 it’s hardly “early” retirement. Every singer is well past their prime at that age.
But extra kudos to him for knowing when to stop.
Chapeau sir! Excellent trolling!
He was always outstanding from the beginning to the end of his challenging roles. This is really sad news.
Yes, really sad news. We have many happy memories of travelling to hear his wonderful Tristan and Tannhaüser and Siegfried and enjoying his beautiful and secure voice. He always seemed particularly at ease singing at the Semperoper and responded graciously to well-wishers.
Happy retirement, Stephen Gould, we hope your health issues are not too serious.
I concur.
Gould was not only a consistently impressive heldentenor, he was a fun guy to have a beer with as well.
Wishing him a happy retirement. His past broadcasts from Bayreuth were impressive.
Sorry to hear he’s still fairly impressive vocally especially for his age. Vastly underutilized at the Met where we have suffered from mostly inferior heldentenors for the last 25 years or so.