Heinrich Knote

26 November 1870 Munich – 12 January 1953 Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Picture of Heinrich Knote as Tristan

Picture of Heinrich Knote as Siegfried

Heinrich Knote singsLohengrin: Höchstes Vertrauen
In RA format

Heinrich Knote singsIl trovatore: Lodern zum Himmel
In RA format

Heinrich Knote sings Die Walküre: Winterstürme wichen dem Wonnemond
In RA format

Heinrich Knote sings Siegfried: Nothung! Nothung!
In RA format

Originally a comedian, he wanted to study voice at the Munich conservatory, but was found to have no voice and no talent, and sent away. He took private lessons with cantor Emanuel Kirschner, and made his debut in 1892 as Georg in Lortzing's Waffenschmied at the Munich opera. At first a buffo, he soon developed into a heldentenor, and the rival of Munich's dominating singer in that repertory, Heinrich Vogl. In 1897, he left Munich for Hamburg, but returned after Vogl's sudden death in 1900, and stayed for the rest of his career – until 1932. In concert, he appeared until 1935.

1904–08, he was also a member of the Metropolitan Opera, where he had huge success; and from 1901 to 1913, he was a regular guest at Covent Garden.

He sang every possible heldentenor part, plus Manrico or Assad (Die Königin von Saba). In the final part of his career, he also appeared in roles like Herodes.

Knote is a typical exponent of the groaning voice production of German singers of the 1910s and 1920s, which is certainly an acquired taste.

Reference 1, reference 2: Kutsch & Riemens

I wish to thank Thomas Silverbörg for the picture (Siegfried) and recording (Lohengrin).
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