Albert Niemann (tenor)

Albert Wilhelm Carl Niemann ( born January 15, 1831 in Erxleben, County Neuhaldensleben; † January 13, 1917 in Berlin) was a German tenor and Wagner interpreter.

Albert Niemann was born as the son of an innkeeper after an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering actor and singer. First engagements and training at Albert Nusch as a soloist followed a successful career as a 1st tenor in Halle in 1853 and guest performances in Stuttgart, Königsberg and Stettin. Richard Wagner was aware of Niemann and hired him in 1861 for the premiere of the Paris version of Tannhäuser. Wagner and Niemann remained closely connected to each other, a detailed correspondence and Niemann's role as a leading interpreter of his time Wagner testify. 1876 ​​Wagner picked him for the role of Siegmund to Bayreuth. Since 1864 Kammersänger and engaged at the Royal Court Opera in Berlin since 1866, he retired from the stage in 1888. He had in 1892 in the Berlin Philharmonic Hall a last appearance. Despite Niemanns generally recognized as Rank Wagner singer and his quality as a tenor his voice was also critically evaluated, such as Hans von Bülow, who called him " soundless, raised baritone " devalued.

Albert Niemann was married since 1871 in second marriage with the actress Hedwig Raabe. Their son, Albert Niemann was a significant pediatrician and first described the Niemann -Pick disease. His son Oscar from his first marriage to Marie Seebach was a singer and painter, but died in 1893 with only 32 years.

Albert Niemann died on January 13, 1917 in Berlin, his grave is located after a reburial in 1939 to the southwest Stahnsdorf.

1912, a street in Berlin's Friedrichshain district was named after Niemann.