Wagnerian Bass-Baritone Donald McIntyre Dies at 91

Donald McIntyre, a distinguished bass-baritone whose voice resonated across the globe for over five decades, passed away on November 13 in Munich at the age of 91. He was a towering figure at the Bayreuth Festival, where he performed from 1967 to 1988, leaving an indelible mark on the interpretation of Richard Wagner's epic works. His death was mourned by the festival, which hailed him as "one of the most important Wagner baritones of our time."

McIntyre is perhaps best remembered for his commanding performance as Wotan, the king of the gods, in Patrice Chéreau's groundbreaking 1976 production of Wagner's "Der Ring des Nibelungen." This staging, which reinterpreted the mythology as a 19th-century neo-Marxist allegory, caused a sensation, igniting controversy among traditionalists with its modern costuming and bold conceptualization. Despite initial outrage, the production ultimately garnered immense critical acclaim and profoundly influenced subsequent operatic stagings.

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, McIntyre possessed a vocal power and physical presence that belied his initial athletic aspirations in rugby. His extensive career included acclaimed roles at the Metropolitan Opera and other major venues. Knighted in 1992, he continued to perform into his 70s, retiring in 2008. Reflecting on his career, McIntyre noted the profound impact of Chéreau's "Ring," stating that supporting that "worthy cause that seemed insupportable to everyone else" was among his proudest achievements.