Alfredo Kraus
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About
Opera singer considered to be among the world's great lyric tenors. He was best known for performing the title role in Jules Massenet's opera Werther, particularly its famous aria, "Pourquoi me réveiller?" He performed operas such as Don Giovanni and Faust. He was also known for his performances of Spanish music, including many classics from the zarzuela repertoire.
Before Fame
He started piano lessons at the age of four. He sang in the school choir by age eight. He pursued a degree in electrical engineering. He served with the army in Spain.
Trivia
In 1958, he traveled to Lisbon to perform with Maria Callas. In 1962, he made his United States debut with the Chicago Lyric Opera. He performed all over the world and sang onstage until his 70s.
Family Life
His wife Rosa died in 1997. His older brother, Francisco Kraus Trujillo, was a baritone.
Associated With
In 1990, he criticized Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo and José Carreras for their open-air concert in Madrid saying the event was "easy music."
