Kurt Böhme


Kurt Böhme was a German bass.
He was born in Dresden, Germany, where he studied with Adolf Kluge at the Dresden Conservatory. He made his debut in 1930 in Bautzen in Der Freischütz, singing both Kaspar and, following a 3-minute costume change, the Hermit. From 1930-1950, he was a member of the Dresden State Opera, 1949 he became a member of the Munich State Opera and in 1955 a member of the Vienna State Opera. In the 1950s and 1960s he became known worldwide because of his acting talents, performing the buffo role of Baron Ochs as well as the 'heavies': Kaspar, Fafner, and "Matteo" in Fra Diavolo.
He was best known for his interpretations of Wagnerian roles, and Mozart's big bass roles, and Baron Ochs von Lerchenau in Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier. His repertoire grew to 120 roles, including an impressive list of premieres that include Strauss' Arabella and Die schweigsame Frau, Sutermeiste]'s Romeo und Julia and Die Zauberinsel, Werner Egk's Irische Legende, Rolf Liebermann's Schule der Frauen und Isang Yun's Sim Tjon.
He can be heard on numerous CDs, and seen on video in a speaking-only role : the Third Priest in The Magic Flute. One of his earliest recorded performances, forty-two years earlier, was in the role of the Speaker of the Temple of Wisdom in the same opera.