Birth

:

January 13, 1903 in New Haven, CT

Death

:

February 8, 1983 in New Haven, CT

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Charles Kullmann was a renowned German tenor who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music during the 20th century. Born on February 22, 1903, in Barmen, Germany, Kullmann was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. He showed an early interest in music and began singing in the church choir at a young age. Kullmann received his formal music education at the Cologne Conservatory, where he studied under the tutelage of the renowned German tenor, Julius Patzak. He made his professional debut in 1926 at the Stadttheater in Mainz, Germany, where he performed the role of Tamino in Mozart's "The Magic Flute." His performance was well-received, and he quickly gained recognition as a talented young tenor. In 1928, Kullmann joined the Berlin State Opera, where he performed in a variety of roles, including Don Ottavio in Mozart's "Don Giovanni," Alfredo in Verdi's "La Traviata," and the title role in Wagner's "Lohengrin." He quickly established himself as one of the leading tenors of his generation, known for his powerful voice, impeccable technique, and dramatic stage presence. Kullmann's career reached new heights in 1933 when he was invited to perform at the Salzburg Festival, one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in the world. He performed the role of Don Ottavio in Mozart's "Don Giovanni" to critical acclaim, and his performance was hailed as one of the highlights of the festival. Over the next few years, Kullmann continued to perform at the Salzburg Festival, as well as other major music festivals throughout Europe. He also made several recordings, including a highly acclaimed recording of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1938, Kullmann was invited to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. He made his debut in the role of Don Ottavio in Mozart's "Don Giovanni," and his performance was once again well-received. He went on to perform in several other productions at the Metropolitan Opera, including the role of Tamino in Mozart's "The Magic Flute" and the title role in Wagner's "Lohengrin." Kullmann's career was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II, and he returned to Germany to serve in the military. After the war, he resumed his career as a tenor, performing in concerts and operas throughout Europe. He also made several recordings, including a highly acclaimed recording of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1951, Kullmann was awarded the title of Kammersänger, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a classical musician in Germany. He continued to perform and record throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and his legacy as one of the greatest tenors of his generation was firmly established. Kullmann retired from performing in 1967 and spent his remaining years teaching voice at the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin. He passed away on March 6, 1983, at the age of 80. In conclusion, Charles Kullmann was a gifted tenor who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music during the 20th century. His powerful voice, impeccable technique, and dramatic stage presence made him one of the leading tenors of his generation, and his performances at major music festivals and opera houses around the world were widely acclaimed.

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