#6 Top Bass-Baritones
6.) Sir Geraint Evans
My sixth favorite bass-baritone is Sir Geraint Evans. I consider him the greatest Falstaff ever. All of his performances are the highest form of singing and acting combined. As an artist, he strove for perfection with every role.
Sir Geraint Evans was the Bryn Terfel of his time. Everything from his timbre, vocal range, legato, acting, body movement, and stage presence was impeccable. However, I would probably compare him to Jose Van Dam. He was a higher bass-baritone and took on many roles often for baritones including Schaunard, Papageno, Beckmesser, Amonasro, etc… He did most of these roles with great success, except for Rigoletto. One of the main reasons I have him lower than Jose Van Dam is his attempt at the main role in Rigoletto at Covent Garden. This is a main lesson for bass-baritones with a great top. Sir Geraint Evans had an amazing top and sang high F, F#, and G’s very well. His F# at the end of his “Scintille diamant” is killer! Out of all recordings I’ve listened to, only George London, Bryn Terfel, D’arcangelo, and Evans sang G’s well consistently and held out. My main example of Geraint Evans high G is his performance of Falstaff in the aria “Eh! paggio!” (listen to Solti’s version of Falstaff with Geraint Evans). It’s fantastic and a great recording for bas-baritones to learn how to sing their G. That being said, his fantastic upper voice probably lead to this catastrophe. Since he had the top to attempt Rigoletto, he thought he could sing it. However, it lead to his worst performance ever. At the end of Rigoletto, Geraint Evans apologized to the audience for his performance at Covent Garden. It’s a real lesson in understanding the difference between tessitura and range. Just because a singer can do a role doesn’t mean they should.
Besides this blemish on his resume, this Welsh bass-baritone is truly an inspiration and role model. Not only did he bring excellent vocal quality to his performances, but his acting was phenomenal. Look up any of his performances. Whether it’s Falstaff, Don Pasquale, or Dulcamara (these are the main video recordings I’ve seen on youtube), his acting and stage presence are fantastic. Besides Norman Treigle, I would say he is the best actor in my top ten. Ever character has such life and each movement is well thought out as pertaining to the role. Below, I’ve posted many recordings of his that I enjoy. Last on the list is a interview with Sir Geraint which he discusses the character of Leporello. Also, look up his masterclasses of youtube. If your desire is to be a triple threat as an opera singer, Geraint Evans demonstrated these qualities in every performance and singers can learn by watching them.
Geraint Evans is by far my go to recording for Falstaff’s. There isn’t a better Falstaff. His voice, range, and characterization are incredible! Also, his ability to perform comedic roles is perfect. Although he is number six on this list, I consider the top bass-baritones (especially six and up) to be the greatest opera singers of all time and out of this whole list, no other bass-baritone sang or performed Falstaff better. He is magnificent and someone I learn so much from listening to and watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Con_BhNYDh8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LngbRQGo0LQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL84gPW_1Ew
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekJqGBZPvI0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1fVad9EnMI
https://studsterkel.wfmt.com/programs/sir-geraint-evans-discusses-his-career-opera