Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

September 22, 1892 in Cologne, Germany

Death

:

June 3, 1965 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Herbert Janssen was a renowned German baritone who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music during the early 20th century. Born on January 22, 1892, in Hamburg, Germany, Janssen was the son of a successful businessman who had no interest in music. However, Janssen's mother was a talented pianist who recognized her son's musical abilities at an early age and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Janssen began his musical training at the age of 16, studying voice with the renowned German baritone, Julius von Raatz-Brockmann. He made his professional debut in 1917, singing the role of Wolfram in Richard Wagner's opera, Tannhäuser, at the Hamburg State Opera. Janssen's performance was well-received, and he quickly established himself as one of the leading baritones of his generation. Over the next few years, Janssen performed in a variety of operas and concerts throughout Germany, earning critical acclaim for his powerful voice and dramatic interpretations. In 1922, he made his debut at the Berlin State Opera, singing the role of Don Giovanni in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera of the same name. This performance was a turning point in Janssen's career, as it brought him to the attention of audiences and critics throughout Europe. Janssen's reputation continued to grow throughout the 1920s and 1930s, as he performed in some of the most prestigious opera houses in Europe, including the Vienna State Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and La Scala in Milan. He was particularly renowned for his performances in the operas of Richard Wagner, including the roles of Wolfram in Tannhäuser, Amfortas in Parsifal, and Hans Sachs in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. In addition to his work in opera, Janssen was also a prolific concert singer, performing in recitals and concerts throughout Europe and the United States. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of the lieder of Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann, and his recordings of these works remain highly regarded to this day. Janssen's career was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II, during which he was conscripted into the German army. He was captured by Allied forces in 1945 and spent several years as a prisoner of war. After his release, he returned to Germany and resumed his career, performing in concerts and operas throughout Europe until his retirement in 1951. Throughout his career, Janssen received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1937, he was awarded the title of Kammersänger by the German government, in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a singer. He was also awarded the Goethe Medal in 1942, in recognition of his contributions to German culture. Despite his many accomplishments, Janssen remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He was known for his meticulous preparation and attention to detail, and his performances were marked by a deep emotional intensity that captivated audiences and critics alike. Herbert Janssen died on June 30, 1965, at the age of 73. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest baritones of the 20th century, and his recordings and performances continue to inspire and delight music lovers around the world.

More....