Died 1895, Paris, France | ||
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Louis-Henri Obin, born in Ascq, near Lille on 4 August 1820, died in Paris on 9 November 1895, was a French operatic bass. He created some of the most notable roles in French grand opera at the Paris Opera, including the part of King Philip II in Verdi's Don Carlos.
Education and career
Obin studied in Lille with Antoine Ponchard and then at the Paris Conservatoire. He made his debut in 1844 at the Paris Opera in the role of Brabantio in Rossini's Otello and continued his career there, playing leading bass roles in many operas, until he retired from the stage in 1869. Among the many roles he created were some of the most important bass parts in French grand opera, including Procida in Verdi's Les vêpres siciliennes, 1855, the King in the same composer's Don Carlos in 1867 and the High Priest of Brahma in Meyerbeer's L'Africaine, 1865. After his retirement from the stage, Obin taught singing at the Paris Conservatoire. He was awarded the legion of honour in 1890.