1954 - 1921
Engelbert Humperdinck, best known for his opera, Hänsel und Gretel was a noted German composer and teacher. Humperdinck started composing at the age of seven. Humperdinck ‘s music education began at the Cologne Conservatory in 1872. Humperdinck later studied with Franz Lachner and Josef Rheinberger in Munich. In 1879 Humperdinck won the prestigious Mendelssohn Award. A favorite of Richard Wagner, Humperdinck was a music teacher of Wagner’s son, Siegfried. In 1890 Humperdinck became professor at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt. Hansel und Gretel was premiered 1893 in Weimar. The conductor was Richard Strauss who called the opera "a masterpiece of the highest quality”. Hansel und Gretel received was an enormous success, and has been a favorite of opera houses worldwide.