He kindly phoned me from Pau, where he lives, as I had written to him to thank him for the pleasure he has given over the years to so many lovers of fine singing. He spoke at length of his long career and singing with legends such as Corelli, Kraus and of course Callas (with whom he recorded "Carmen" for EMI). He lamented with me the tyranny of Regietheater and the decline in vocal standards, recalling the difficulties he had trying to teach conservatory students who, in his estimation, were not prepared to put in the right kind or length of training and rushed their careers to their vocal detriment.
Those unfamiliar with his recordings should listen to his superb Rigoletto (sung in French), his Grand Prêtre in "Samson et Dalila", Athanaël in "Thaïs", Valentin in "Faust", Karnac in "Le roi d’Ys" and of course Escamillo as per above.
He promised to send me some recordings from his private collection, including "Macbeth", which should be fascinating.
I just thought I would share that news as I am sure I am not alone in admiring him.
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