The voice of the Bavarian tenor Karl Liebl was recognised while he was studying to become a school teacher. In 1945, after serving in World War II, he became a Jugendlicher Heldentenor at the Stadttheater of Regensburg. Here he sang, among others, Riccardo in 'Un Ballo in Maschera', Radames and his first Wagner role: Siegmund. The first of his frequent appearances at the Staatstheater of Wiesbaden was in 1951, thereafter, he began to develop into a Heldentenor. From 1955 through 1959 he sang at the Cologne Opera including Hüon in 'Oberon' at the opening of the new house. From 1956-59 he was a member of the Staatsoper in Vienna, where he sang in premiere of 'Mathis der Maler' by Hindemith.

From 1959 to 1968 he performed at the Metropolitan Opera (debut role: Lohengrin) in such roles such as Tristan, Walther von Stolzing, Erik, Loge, Siegmund, Siegfried, Parsifal and Herod in 'Salome' - in all, eight major roles in 57 performances. He died in 2007.

He's no match for Nilsson, in stupendous voice here, but pretty marvellous, nonetheless.