Gerard Souzay, 85; French Baritone Known for Emotional Range

Gerard Souzay, 85, the renowned French baritone known for his emotional range, died of undisclosed causes Tuesday at his home in Cap d’Antibes on the French Riviera.

In a nearly 50-year career, Souzay made hundreds of recordings and appeared in the world’s great opera houses, including New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, where he first appeared in 1965.

Souzay, who sang a variety of musical styles in 15 languages, was praised by the French Cultural Ministry this week for his interpretation of Ravel, Stravinsky, Mozart, Wagner and others.

Born Gerard Tisserand in Angers, France, in 1918, Souzay studied at the Paris Conservatory from 1940 to 1945. He was recognized for his artistry after his first recital in Paris in 1945 and was well established as a recitalist and recording artist when he made his operatic debut at the Aix-en-Provence Festival in 1960.