Paulo Fortes: The Baritone of Brazil

A Biography by Bruno Furlanetto

Introduction

Paulo Fortes was a Brazilian baritone who enjoyed a successful international career in opera and concert. He was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1942 and began his musical studies at the age of 10. He made his professional debut in 1964 and quickly rose to prominence, singing leading roles at major opera houses around the world.

Fortes was a versatile singer with a rich, warm voice and a commanding stage presence. He was particularly admired for his interpretations of Verdi and Puccini roles, but he also sang a wide range of other repertoire, including Mozart, Rossini, and Wagner.

In addition to his operatic career, Fortes was also a successful concert singer and recitalist. He toured extensively throughout the world and recorded numerous albums. He was also a dedicated teacher and mentor to young singers.

Fortes died in 2017 at the age of 75. He is remembered as one of the greatest baritones of his generation.

Early Life and Education

Paulo Fortes was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on January 2, 1942. His father was a lawyer and his mother was a homemaker. Fortes began singing at an early age and showed great talent. He studied music at the National School of Music in Rio de Janeiro and later at the Juilliard School in New York City.

Professional Career

Fortes made his professional debut in 1964 at the Teatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro. He quickly rose to prominence and soon began singing leading roles at major opera houses around the world. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1968 as Germont in La traviata. He went on to sing more than 300 performances at the Met, including leading roles in Aida, Il trovatore, Rigoletto, and Simon Boccanegra.

Fortes also sang at the Vienna State Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. He performed with some of the world's greatest conductors, including Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado, and Riccardo Muti.

In addition to his operatic career, Fortes was also a successful concert singer and recitalist. He toured extensively throughout the world and recorded numerous albums. He was also a dedicated teacher and mentor to young singers.

Personal Life

Fortes was married to the soprano Ileana Cotrubas from 1974 to 1983. They had two children together, a son and a daughter. Fortes was also a close friend of the tenor Plácido Domingo.

Death

Fortes died in Rio de Janeiro on October 1, 2017, at the age of 75. He is survived by his two children and his sister.

Legacy

Paulo Fortes was one of the greatest baritones of his generation. He had a rich, warm voice and a commanding stage presence. He was particularly admired for his interpretations of Verdi and Puccini roles, but he also sang a wide range of other repertoire.

Fortes was also a successful concert singer and recitalist. He toured extensively throughout the world and recorded numerous albums. He was also a dedicated teacher and mentor to young singers.

Fortes died in 2017 at the age of 75, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as one of the greatest baritones of his generation.

Conclusion

Paulo Fortes was a remarkable singer and a true gentleman. He was a credit to his profession and an inspiration to all who knew him. His death is a great loss to the world of music, but his legacy will live on for many years to come.

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Paulo Fortes: The Baritone of Brazil is a must-read for any fan of opera. This comprehensive biography tells the story of Fortes's life and career, from his early days in Rio de Janeiro to his international stardom. The book is filled with fascinating anecdotes and insights into the world of opera. It is a must-have for any music lover.

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