Alfredo Kraus

Alfredo Kraus Trujillo (24 September 1927 – 10 September 1999) was a distinguished Spanish tenor of partly Austrian descent, particularly known for the artistry he brought to opera's bel canto roles. He was also considered an outstanding interpreter of the title role in Massenet's opera Werther, and especially of its famous aria, "Pourquoi me réveiller?" Kraus was born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands of Spain. He began his mus... more

Alfredo Kraus Trujillo (24 September 1927 – 10 September 1999) was a distinguished Spanish tenor of partly Austrian descent, particularly known for the artistry he brought to opera's bel canto roles. He was also considered an outstanding interpreter of the title role in Massenet's opera Werther, and especially of its famous aria, "Pourquoi me réveiller?" Kraus was born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands of Spain. He began his musical career at age four, when he took piano lessons, and he sang in the school choir by age eight. His older brother, Francisco Kraus Trujillo, a baritone, studied music and opera alongside him. In 1956, Kraus made his professional operatic debut in Cairo as the Duke in Rigoletto, which became one of his signature roles. In 1958, he sang Alfredo at the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos in Lisbon in a production of La Traviata with Maria Callas, a live recording of which was later released. Kraus made his Covent Garden debut as Edgardo in Lucia di... less