A leading lyric tenor of his generation, Alfredo Kraus parlayed his vocal and artistic gifts into one of the longest and best managed careers in recent memory. Always careful — both in choice of roles and in the regulation of his performing schedule — not to overextend himself, he achieved a degree of consistency and longevity that kept him active professionally well into his sixties, always applauded for his youthful tone and delivery. Among his vocal assets were an admirable top extension — which included an enviable D above high C — a warm tone, and an instinctive feel for the shape of phrases, especially in French repertory.