Fischer, Emil (Friedrich August)
Fischer, Emil (Friedrich August)
Fischer, Emil (Friedrich August), distinguished German bass; b. Braunschweig, June 13, 1838;d. Hamburg, Aug. 11, 1914. He received his vocal training entirely from his parents, who were opera singers. He made his debut in Graz in 1857, then was with the Danzig Opera (1863–70), in Rotterdam (1875–80), and with the Dresden Opera (1880–85). He made his debut with the Metropolitan Opera in N.Y on Nov. 23, 1885, as King Heinrich, and remained on the staff for 5 years; then sang with the Damrosch Opera Co. (1894–98). He lived mostly in N.Y. as a vocal teacher, returning to Germany shortly before his death. On March 15, 1907, a testimonial performance was held in his honor at the Metropolitan Opera, at which he sang one of his greatest roles: that of Hans Sachs (Act 3, Scene1). He was particularly famous for his Wagnerian roles.
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire