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Josef GreindlGerman opera singer, bass
Date of Birth: 23.12.1912
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Josef Greindl: A Renowned German Bass
- Opera Career
- Vocal Characteristics and Repertoire
- Teaching and Legacy
Josef Greindl: A Renowned German Bass
Early Life and EducationJosef Greindl was born on December 23, 1912, in Munich, Germany. He studied at the Munich Music Academy under the tutelage of Paul Bender. In 1936, he made his stage debut as Hunding in Richard Wagner's "Die Walküre" at the State Theatre in Krefeld.
Opera Career
Greindl's career soared with his appearances at the Bayreuth Festival beginning in 1943. He sang in the final production of Wagner's "Der Ring des Nibelungen" conducted by Wieland Wagner. Notable performances included the role of King Marke in "Tristan und Isolde" (1952) under the baton of Wilhelm Furtwängler, considered one of the finest conductors of the century.
In addition to Bayreuth, Greindl performed at the Dusseldorf Stadttheater (1938-1942), the Berlin Staatsoper (1942-1949), and the Deutsche Oper Berlin (1949-1973). He made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1952, where he sang Heinrich in "Lohengrin."
Vocal Characteristics and Repertoire
Greindl possessed a powerful bass voice renowned for its massive depth, resonant "old" quality, yet with agility and a remarkable range. This allowed him to excel not only in Wagnerian roles but also in Mozart's major bass parts. He was particularly acclaimed for his portrayals of Fafner, Hunding, and Hagen in "Der Ring des Nibelungen."
Greindl's repertoire extended beyond Wagner and Mozart, encompassing works by Gluck, Verdi, Strauss, Schoenberg, Smetana, Weber, Berg, Orff, Beethoven, and others. He was equally adept at low bass roles and more demanding high-lying parts, showcasing his versatility and vocal prowess.
Teaching and Legacy
In 1973, Greindl became a professor at the Hochschule für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna. He had previously taught at the Saarbrücken Hochschule since 1961. His daughter, Gudrun Greindl Rosner, also pursued a career in opera.
Josef Greindl passed away on April 16, 1993, in Vienna, Austria. He remains one of the most celebrated German opera singers, renowned for his powerful voice and exceptional interpretations of Wagnerian roles. Despite his affiliation with the Nazi Party during World War II, his artistic legacy continues to inspire generations of singers and music lovers alike.
