In 1986, he also starred in the GREAT PERFORMANCES presentation of Goetz Friedrich’s film of Elektra, alongside Leonie Rysanek, Astrid Varnay, Catarina Ligendza, Hans Beirer, Josef Greindl, again conducted by Boehm.

Fischer-Dieskau’s career spanned the 1940s through his retirement in 1992 and, as The New York Times reported in its lengthy obituary, he continued to be “an influential teacher and orchestra leader for many years thereafter.”

His performances of lieder in concert and on hundreds of recordings set the standard for the repertoire.  Similarly, his vast catalog of opera and oratorio were and continue to be an inspiration thanks to his impeccable musical standards, extraordinary sensitivity, and facility for brilliantly conveying the meaning of whatever he sang.

He was married to soprano Julia Varady who survives him.