Philip Langridge 1939-2010

It is with great sadness that we note the passing yesterday evening in London of Philip Langridge, singer,  musician, artist, and truly wonderful man.

Much will be written, but nothing can recapture adequately the warmth of his smile, the gaiety of his laughter;  he was held in enormous respect and affection by all that knew him and worked with him.

Comments

[lingin]

Thank you for this lovely post.My favorite singer and the single reason I am an opera lover. I don't have the words to describe how I am feeling.

[John Rodger]

So sad. Thank you for posting, he was a singular artist and inspired many of us.

[Andrew Patner]

Though this news had been been coming it is nonetheless truly sad. A great singer, a great artist, and, to judge from the values and abilities exhibited by his children, including opera director Stephen Langridge (whose staging of Berlioz's "The Damnation of Faust" is now at Lyric Opera of Chicago), a great father as well. Seventy is much too young.

[Toni J. Krein]

He will be sadly missed and always remembered.

[Greg Foster (aka, operabruin)]

The world has truly lost one of its greatest musical interpreters....how sad I am to know that we have had the passing of this great artist. He was truly one of the "best of the best"! How truly fortunate we are to have all the marvelous recordings that he made for our enjoyment through posterity.

[Helen Cannell]

A lovely colleague and man-I worked with him on Jenufa at Glyndebourne.RIP and condolences to his family.
Helen Cannell

[Barry Banks]

His wonderful infectious, slightly asthmatic, laugh has been ringing in my ears all day to bring a smile to my face and a warmth in my heart at such a sad time. A true great and a GREAT gentleman

[Melinda Bargreen]

The consummate oratorio singer -- for me, his "Comfort ye my people" is the ultimate in smooth, expressive eloquence. What a loss.

[David Atherton]

As Jumbo (David Wilson-Johnson) has commented elsewhere, Philip will always be in our minds and thoughts whenever Grimes is performed. I conducted countless perfs with him (CG, ENO, Met) and he WAS Peter Grimes. A consummate musician, brilliant actor and the best colleague one could wish for. His Budd and Death in Venice at the Met were quite unforgettable.

I am still trying to take in the unbelievably sad news. The arts world has just lost one of the greatest tenors ever. My thoughts go out to his wife, Ann (Murray) and his family, all of whom he was incredibly proud. Rest in peace dear friend.

[Theresa]

I've been listening to his haunting recording of the Britten Serenade since yesterday. When a singer of this generation dies, it's like losing a dear friend for me. This did shock me, since he had been at the Met only two months ago. People, get your regular checkups, and hug your friends and families.

[Jory Vinikour]

I heard his outstanding Idomeneo in 2003 at Glyndebourne, and worked with his marvellous wife in 2006 in Salzburg. I am so sorry to hear of his passing - unique artist.

[Soaps opera spoilers]

Thank you for this beautiful post.My favorite singer and the only reason I am an opera lover. I have no words to describe how I feel.

[Cartuse]

So sad. Thank you for posting, was a unique artist and inspired many of us.

[Vintage go kart]

Although this news had been no longer truly sad. A great singer, a great artist, and, judging by the values and skills exhibited by their children, including opera director Stephen Langridge (whose staging of Berlioz 'The Damnation of Faust "is now in the Lyric Opera of Chicago ), a great father. Seventy is too young.