William Hess (Tenor)

Born: 1916 (?) - Wilkes Barre, PA, USA
Died: January 26, 1991 - Manhattan, NY, USA

The American tenor and teacher, William Hess, came to New York in the early 1930's to study voice with the soprano Florence Easton. He made his debut with the Philadelphia Opera Company, in the title role of Charles Gounod's Faust, and also performed with the St. Louis Opera Company.

After service as an instructor pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II, William Hess became known particularly as an interpreter of Baroque and contemporary music. He appeared as a soloist with the Dessoff Choirs, the Cantata Singers, and the NBC Symphony Orchestra under Arturo Toscanini. He taught many students privately in Manhattan.

William Hess died of a heart attack on January 26, 1991 at his home in Manhattan. He was 75 years old. He had two daughters, Tony Hess and Ann Schultz of Monterey, California, and two grandchildren.

Source: New York Time Obituary (February 1991)
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (July 2009)

Recordings of Bach Cantatas & Other Vocal Works

Conductor

As

Works

Arthur Mendel

Tenor

BWV 11, BWV 12, BWV 46, BWV 71, BWV 120, BWV 171, BWV 232: Part 1

Robert Shaw

Tenor

BWV 131

Links to other Sites

William Hess, 75, Tenor and Teacher (NY Times)