Robert Weede facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Weede
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Weede at right with Jan Peerce and Jean Tennyson on the radio program "Great Moments in Music", 1942
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| Born | February 22, 1903 |
| Died | July 9, 1972 (aged 69) Walnut Creek, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Singer |
Robert Weede (born February 22, 1903 – died July 9, 1972) was a famous American opera singer. He was known as a baritone, which means he had a deep male singing voice.
Contents
Robert Weede's Early Life and Training
Robert Wiedefeld was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He had two sisters, Elizabeth and Mary Wiedefeld. Robert Weede loved music from a young age. He studied singing at the Eastman School of Music in the United States. He also traveled to Milan, Italy, to continue his voice training. Milan is a very important city for opera.
His Amazing Opera Career
Robert Weede made his first big appearance at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1937. He played the character Tonio in the opera Pagliacci. This was a huge step in his career.
Famous Opera Roles
Weede sang many important roles at the Metropolitan Opera. Some of his most famous parts included:
He also performed Rigoletto for his first time in other major cities. These included Chicago in 1939 and San Francisco in 1940. He also sang it at the New York City Opera in 1948.
Singing with Opera Stars
At the New York City Opera, Weede also sang in Pagliacci. He was part of the very first performance of Troubled Island. This was an opera by William Grant Still.
In 1950, Weede traveled to Mexico City. There, he sang with the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. They performed together in Aïda and Tosca. Later, they sang together again in Chicago. This time, they performed in Il trovatore and Madama Butterfly.
Success on Broadway
Besides opera, Robert Weede also found great success on Broadway. Broadway is famous for its musical shows.
Hit Musicals
In 1956, he starred as Tony Esposito in The Most Happy Fella. This musical was a big hit! His performance was so popular that it was even recorded. Weede also appeared in other Broadway shows:
- Milk and Honey (from 1961 to 1963)
- Cry for Us All (in 1970)
Recordings and Helping Others
Robert Weede made several recordings of his opera performances. These recordings let people enjoy his amazing voice even today. He recorded parts from Bizet's Carmen in 1946. He also recorded an album of songs from Verdi's operas in 1953.
Weede was known for being kind and helpful to younger singers. He often shared his knowledge and experience. Some of the singers he helped included John Alexander, Mario Lanza, and Jan Peerce.
Robert Weede passed away in Walnut Creek, California, in 1972. He left behind a legacy as a talented singer and a supportive mentor.
Videography
- Spielman: The Stingiest Man In Town (Munsel, Rathbone; Camarata, Petrie, 1956) [live] VAI
