Gods, Kings & Demons

Superb singing from the the world's leading bass

     

Although well established on the international opera stage, René Pape is perhaps Europe's best kept secret. This album may change that. Here is lyric bass singing of a remarkable character. With smooth legato-like phrasing that approaches a baritone in his upper register, Pape is firmly grounded in the warm resonance of a deep bass. Comfortably at home in the King Marke aria from act 2 of Tristan, Pape demonstrates his versatility by singing beautifully in no less than five languages. One may download either of the two arias from Rubinstein's The Demon to get a taste, but the entire album earns the highest recommendation.