• Country: Germany

Biography

Born in 1926, Theo Adam is one of the leading bass singers of the post- World War II era, particularly well known for his Wagnerian roles. He joined the boys' choir of the Dresden Kreuzchor in 1937, a traditional starting point for singers of that city. He began studying music in his hometown and in Weimar. He was called for military service in 1944 but resumed musical studies when the war ended.

His professional debut was at the Dresden State Opera in 1949, which led to a guest appearance in the 1952 Bayreuth Festival, which was also the year he joined the Berlin State Opera. Despite the handicap of living in the Soviet bloc, Adam was selected in 1963, after a few appearances in smaller roles, to sing the role of Wotan in Wagner's Ring operas at the Wagnerian shrine of Bayreuth in 1963. He later sang the other major bass roles in Wagner's operas: Hans Sachs, King Mark, Amfortas, and the Dutchman. Adam is also well known for the non-Wagnerian roles of Baron Ochs (Strauss' Rosenkavalier), Pizzaro (Beethoven's Fidelio), Wozzeck (Berg), King Philip (Verdi's Don Carlos), La Roche (Strauss' Capriccio), Don Giovanni (Mozart), and several other important parts.

Adam appeared at the world's most prestigious venues, including the Metropolitan in 1963, Covent Garden in 1967, and the 1972 Salzburg Festival. He is also an highly esteemed oratorio singer. In addition to singing the Bach Passions and several cantatas, he is exceptional in the title role of Mendelssohn's Elijah.

Adam's interpretations are intelligent and dramatic, his voice robust. Beginning in 1977, Adam made regular television appearances on his show "Theo Adam lädt ein" (An Invitation from Theo Adam). The author of several books, Adam is the laureate of numerous awards, including the Schumann Prize of the City of Zwickau, the National First Prize of the German Democratic Republic, and the title of "Chamber Singer of Austria." ~ Joseph Stevenson, All Music Guide

Discography

Liszt/Mahler: Lieder Buy this CD

Strauss: Lieder Buy this CD

Schubert/Wolf/Schumann: Lieder Buy this CD

Theo Adam sings Mozart Arias Buy this CD

J.S. Bach: Geistliche Arien Buy this CD