HOTTER, HANS (1909 - 2003)

The German bass-baritone Hans Hotter (1909 - 2003) studied in Munich with Matthäus Roemer and later worked as an organist and choirmaster before his operatic début in Troppau in 1930. He sang in the opera houses of Breslau (1931), Prague (1932 - 1934) and Hamburg (1934 - 1935) in addition to his base at Munich with which he was associated from 1937 until 1972.

Hotter first appeared in London in 1947 with the visiting Vienna State Opera Company. His American début was in the title role of Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer in New York in 1950. From 1952 until 1964 he sang at the Bayreuth Festival, where his incomparable interpretations of all the leading Wagnerian baritone parts were seen. He also directed a complete Ring cycle at Covent Garden between 1961 and 1964. Retiring from the stage in 1972, Hotter continued on occasion to appear in smaller roles as late as 1991. He was a greatly admired Lieder singer.

Albums featuring this artist are available for download from ClassicsOnline.com
BRAHMS: Deutsches Requiem (Ein) (Schwarzkopf, Hotter, Karajan) (1947)	8.111038
WAGNER, R.: Fliegende Hollander (Der) (Hotter, Varnay) (1950)	8.110189-90
WAGNER, R.: Walkure (Die), Acts I and II (Ring Cycle 2) (Bruno Walter) (1938)	8.110250-51