Böhme, Kurt (1908–1989)

German bass. He sang at Dresden 1930–50, where he took part in the first performance of Richard Strauss's Die schweigsame Frau/The Silent Woman; in 1936 he sang with the company at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, as the Commendatore. He appeared at Bayreuth 1952–67, as Pogner and Klingsor, and at Salzburg he created roles in operas by Liebermann and Egk (Irische Legende in 1955). His New York Metropolitan Opera House debut was in 1954, as Pogner. He sang Hunding, Hagen, and Ochs – his best role – at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, 1956–70.