Helge Rosvaenge

Helge Rosvaenge (Roswaenge, Rosvænge), Helge Anton Rosenvinge Hansen, (born August 29, 1897 in Copenhagen - died June 17, 1972 in Munich) was a famous Danish-German Opera Singer (Tenor).

"He made his debut at Neustrelitz as Don Jose in 1921. Engagements followed at Altenburg, Basle, Cologne (1927-30) and the Berlin Staatsoper, where he was leading tenor from 1930, being especially distinguished in the Italian repertory. He also sang regularly in Vienna and Munich. He appeared at Salzburg between 1933 and 1939 as Tamino, Huon (Oberon) and Florestan, which he also sang at Covent Garden in 1938. He sang Parsifal at Bayreuth in 1934 and 1936 but otherwise avoided the Wagnerian repertory. After World War II Rosvaenge divided his time between Berlin and Vienna, continuing to sing until the late 1960s as Calaf, Radames and Manrico. His voice showed no sign of age; it was warm and sonorous, even throughout its scale, and brilliant and lustrous in its top register." (Harold Rosenthal) Resource: http://bassocantante.com/opera/rosvaenge.html

"He was a member of the Cologne Opera in the years 1927-30 and then at the Berlin State Opera during the years 1930-44. He sang regularly at the Vienna Opera from 1936, debuted at Covent Garden, London, in 1938 as Florestan in Fidelio, then appeared in Salzburg 1932-9, where he made his debut in Der Rosenkavalier. He was a prominent interpreter of Wagner operas and sang Parsifal at Bayreuth in 1934 and 1936. He had a substantial career at both the Berlin and Vienna operas after the hostilities of 2nd World War had ended in 1945, appearing in a wide spectrum of roles ranging from Mozart to Puccini and Verdi and Wagner. 1962 he engaged in a tour of USA.

With a steely voice, brilliant high notes and insistent declamation,(Luiz Eduardo Goncalves Gabarra)Roswaenge was an impressive Andrea Chenier as well as an acclaimed and exciting Otello. Although he never performed the latter role on stage, he was often heard as the jealous stricken Moor on German radio.

He passed away in München, Germany, in 1972, at the age of 75." (JH Anthonisen) Resource: http://www.grandi-tenori.com/bios/roswaenge.htm