Jose Carreras
Jose Carreras
Josep Maria Carreras i Coll, better known as José Carreras, is a Spanish tenor from Catalonia who is particularly known for his performances in the operas of Verdi and Puccini. Born in Barcelona, he made his debut on the operatic stage at 11 as Trujamán in Manuel de Falla's El retablo de Maese Pedro and went on to a career that encompassed over 60 roles, performed in the world's leading opera houses and in numerous recordings...
NationalitySpanish
ProfessionMusician
Date of Birth5 December 1946
CountrySpain
The voice is like a man, like ourselves: we all feel melancholic about what we have lost, the things we could do when we were young. But having the possibility to still perform is wonderful. The voice loses elasticity as you age, but on the other hand, maybe you are more mature as an interpreter, maybe your approach to singing deepens.
It is important to be passionate, but it is also important to combine the heart and the head. I have made mistakes in both my private and professional lives.
People naturally want to know about what happened, about my leukemia. They ask the same questions again and again. And there have been so many positive conclusions, even through the bad times, that I don't mind at all to be reminded of my struggles.
It is not easy for me to sing consonants, and I am sorry if I don't sing the 'S'.
I have a wonderful shelter, which is my family. I have a wonderful relationship with my brother and sister; this makes me feel that I know always where I belong.
Americans, they have an incredible operatic tradition: the Metropolitan Opera House is - if not the most prestigious - one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world for over 100 years.
If you are burned, you are naturally anxious to see what your face looks like as soon as they take the bandages off. In my case, it was my voice that was my main concern.
If I can do concert recitals, adapting the repertoire to my needs, then no problem, that's good enough. But with operas, unless the right circumstances come up, my career is done.
I can't see why we can't toss in a Junior Walker or Wilson Pickett number in every once in a while.
The happiest moment in my life? When my doctor told me I was completely cured of leukaemia.
I love good food but I follow strict rules the days I perform.
Italians have no sense of the dramatic.
In the last 20, 22 years I have sung here very often and I have always felt the affection and warmth of the Italians, and I feel very close to you.
I am extraordinarily lucky, I was born in a family of strong moral values, and in my life I was able to do what I liked best: debuts, great theatres, but above all, inner and deep satisfaction.