Engelbert Humperdinck

Born: 1854 | Died: 1921

Composer

Engelbert Humperdinck was born in Siegburg in the Rhine provinces. The composer is best known for his 1893 opera “Hänsel und Gretel” which is still popular all around the world. After his first piano lessons, Humperdick produced his first work at the young age of seven.

Humperdinck served as Richard Wagner’s assistant and was one of his most important students. He tutored Wagner’s children and was greatly inspired by him. Humperdinck traveled in Italy, France and Spain, returning to Cologne in 1887, where he was made professor at the Conservatory three years later. After this he went to Berlin to take up the position as head of a Meister-Schule (Masters School) of composition.

Next to “Hänsel und Gretel,” which he completed for his sister’s children and presented to his fiancée as an engagement present, Humperdinck’s works include, “Dornröschen” (Sleeping Beauty), “Die Königskinder” (The King’s Children), and “Die Heirat wider Willen” (The Unwilling Marriage).

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