Since he retired in 1992, and left opera many years before that, his passing is hardly a loss to opera lovers. at this late date. He recorded more than any person in history, classical, rock, pop, you name it and his many hundreds of recordings are and will alway be readily available. He is most highly regarded as a singer of songs, songs of many composers and nationalities, and recorded near complete sets (of songs appropriate for a male singer) of Schubert, Brahms, Strauss, Schuman, Liszt, Wolf, the ballads of Lowe, etc., the list is nearly endless and comprehensive.