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Ivan Rebroff will always be remembered as an exceptional vocalist whose expansive vocal range and captivating stage presence left an indelible mark on the music world.
His dedication to his craft and his ability to bring joy to audiences around the world will never be forgotten.
Ivan Rebroff’s Biography
Ivan Rebroff was a German-born vocalist who gained fame for his incredible vocal range and his captivating stage presence.
Rebroff was born Hans Rolf Rippert on July 31, 1931, in Berlin, the son of engineer Paul Rippert and Luise Fenske.
Rebroff claimed Russian ancestry despite the fact that his parents were German, a claim that has been contested but never proven convincingly.
Rebroff’s musical adventure began at the Hochschule für Musik und Theatre Hamburg, where he studied singing. While his Russian language and pronunciation were not flawless, he became well-known for his passionate performances of Russian folk music.
He also demonstrated his flexibility by performing opera, light classics, and folk music from different countries. Rebroff was a commanding figure on stage, standing over 2 metres tall and frequently dressed in Cossack garb.
But it was his four-octave vocal range that actually distinguished him. His voice had a range of one and a quarter octaves above C, from low F to high F.
Rebroff performed in almost 6,000 concerts over his career, stunning audiences with his powerful voice and exciting performances.
He also took on acting parts, most notably as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” during a two-year, seven-day-a-week tenure at Paris’ Théâtre Marigny.
His passion for his trade was absolutely extraordinary, as he performed until he was in his sixties. During an Australian tour, he once performed 13 gigs in 21 days.
Rebroff saw himself as an international artist, boldly transcending the East-West divide. He was well-liked in Greece and was made an honorary citizen of the Sporades island of Skopelos, where he lived.
Rebroff had a private life despite his celebrity and success, and it was known that he was homosexual.
Rebroff was a competent instrumentalist in addition to his vocal abilities. He performed the violin and keyboard instruments, including the piano and church organ.
He demonstrated his linguistic ability by singing and chatting in Russian, French, Italian, English, and Greek.
Rebroff died on February 27, 2008, in Frankfurt, following a long illness. His passing left a vacuum in the music industry, as his distinctive ability and personality touched the hearts of numerous admirers.
His older brother, Horst Rippert, staked claim to a portion of his large inheritance just four days after his death, albeit the legality of this claim remains unconfirmed.
Though he is no longer with us, his music will continue to inspire and move people for centuries to come.
Ivan Rebroff’s Cause Of Death
Ivan Rebroff’s cause of death according to reports which was revealed, he died after having heart failure.
