Role

:

Conductor  

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

January 19, 1909 in Offenbach, Germany

Death

:

December 6, 2003 in Grünwald

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Hans Hotter was a renowned German bass-baritone who was born on January 19, 1909, in Offenbach am Main, Germany. He was the son of a choirmaster and began his musical training at a young age. Hotter studied at the Frankfurt Conservatory and later at the Munich Academy of Music, where he was a student of the famous baritone Michael Bohnen. Hotter made his operatic debut in 1930 at the Stadttheater in Saarbrücken, Germany, as the Herald in Wagner's Lohengrin. He quickly gained recognition for his powerful voice and dramatic stage presence, and soon became a sought-after performer in Germany and throughout Europe. In 1937, Hotter joined the Vienna State Opera, where he remained for over 20 years. He became known for his performances in Wagnerian roles, including Wotan in the Ring cycle, Hans Sachs in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, and the title role in The Flying Dutchman. He also excelled in other roles, such as Don Giovanni in Mozart's opera of the same name and the title role in Verdi's Falstaff. Hotter's international career took off in the 1950s, when he began performing in the United States and at the Bayreuth Festival in Germany. He made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1950 as Wotan in Die Walküre, and went on to perform there regularly for over a decade. He also appeared at the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Salzburg Festival. Hotter was known for his powerful voice, which had a rich, dark tone and a wide range. He was also praised for his dramatic acting ability, which brought depth and nuance to his performances. He was particularly admired for his interpretations of Wagner's music, which he approached with a deep understanding of the composer's intentions. Hotter received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1955, he was awarded the title of Kammersänger by the Austrian government, and in 1963 he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He was also awarded the Bavarian Order of Merit and the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Hotter retired from the stage in 1972, but continued to teach and give masterclasses until his death in 2003. He was a respected voice teacher, and his students included such notable singers as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Christa Ludwig. Hotter's legacy as a performer and teacher continues to be felt in the world of classical music. He was a master of his craft, and his contributions to the art form will be remembered for generations to come.

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