Humperdinck, Engelbert, 1854-1921, German composer and teacher. He is known chiefly for his first opera, Hänsel und Gretel (1893), successful because of its fairy-tale subject and its folk-inspired music. He wrote other operas and dramatic music which are mostly forgotten.

(born Sept. 1, 1854, Sieberg, Hanover—died Sept. 27, 1921, Neustrelitz, Ger.) German composer. He studied piano, organ, cello, and composition with Ferdinand Hiller. His compositions won prizes, and in 1879 he met Richard Wagner in Naples and became a member of his circle. Invited to help prepare Parsifal for its premiere, including copying the score and rehearsing the chorus, he came to be considered Wagner's chosen successor by some. He is known today for the highly popular opera Hansel and Gretel (1892); his later works include the opera The King's Children (1897).

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(born Sept. 1, 1854, Sieberg, Hanover—died Sept. 27, 1921, Neustrelitz, Ger.) German composer. He studied piano, organ, cello, and composition with Ferdinand Hiller. His compositions won prizes, and in 1879 he met Richard Wagner in Naples and became a member of his circle. Invited to help prepare Parsifal for its premiere, including copying the score and rehearsing the chorus, he came to be considered Wagner's chosen successor by some. He is known today for the highly popular opera Hansel and Gretel (1892); his later works include the opera The King's Children (1897).

Learn more about Humperdinck, Engelbert with a free trial on Britannica.com.

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