Jozsef Gregor, 66; Hungarian bass known for passionate portrayals

Jozsef Gregor, 66, a Hungarian bass who performed with opera companies around the world, died Friday of an undisclosed illness. His death was reported by the National Theater of the southern city of Szeged, where Gregor sang for many years before becoming director of its opera company.

Gregor announced his retirement in September after a 48-year career that included performances with the Metropolitan Opera in New York and Milan’s La Scala.

Known for his passionate performances, Gregor’s formidable acting talents were as celebrated as his powerful voice. He sang the most famous bass roles, including the lead in Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro,” Mephistopheles in Gounod’s “Faust” and Leporello in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.”

He was also very successful as the lead in Verdi’s “Falstaff,” originally a baritone part.

Gregor was born Aug. 8, 1940, in Rakosliget, a small town incorporated into Budapest, the Hungarian capital, in 1950. He studied singing at Budapest’s Franz Liszt Academy of Music but never graduated. His career began in 1958 in the men’s choir of the Hungarian army.