Overview
- His management confirmed he died on Saturday in Hamburg, citing the family.
- A fixture at the Hamburgische Staatsoper since 1966, he shaped its repertoire across Verdi, Wagner, Strauss and Berg.
- He gained international recognition for a searing portrayal of Wozzeck in Patrice Chéreau’s production.
- He guest performed in Vienna, Paris, London and New York, working with Claudio Abbado, Daniel Barenboim and Giuseppe Sinopoli.
- Honors included the title Kammersänger, his 2,000th Hamburg performance in February 2012 and a 50-year jubilee tribute in 2016.