Eberhard Waechter

Eberhard Freiherr von Waechter[a] (9 July 1929 – 29 March 1992) was an Austrian lyric baritone (categorized as a Kavalierbariton in the German Vocal Fach System), celebrated for his performances in the operas of Mozart, Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss.

Awarded in 1963 the title Kammersänger, Waechter created in 1980 the role of Joseph in Gottfried von Einem's Jesu Hochzeit [de], opposite Karan Armstrong.

Appropriately enough, given the fame of his 1959 recording in the title role of Mozart's Don Giovanni title role, Waechter appeared in 1969, depicted as Don Giovanni, on the set of postal stamps issued by Austria to commemorate the centenary of the Vienna State Opera.

Four years later he also became head of the Vienna State Opera, a position he held at the time of his death.

Waechter features in several opera recordings that enjoy classic status: On DVD, Waechter can be seen in a 1987 Die Fledermaus from Munich, opposite Pamela Coburn, Janet Perry and Brigitte Fassbaender, conducted by Carlos Kleiber and directed by Otto Schenk.

Eberhard Waechter