Engelbert Humperdinck

British pop and ballad singer

Engelbert Humperdinck (1854–1921) was a German composer, best known for his opera "Hänsel und Gretel." Humperdinck was associated with the movement of German opera away from the influence of Richard Wagner, although he was heavily influenced by him. His style is characterized by warm melodies and full-bodied orchestrations, which is evident in his most famous work. "Hänsel und Gretel" premiered in Weimar on December 23, 1893, conducted by Richard Strauss, and it has since become a staple in the operatic repertoire around the world, often performed as a family-friendly piece during the Christmas season. The opera has been recorded numerous times and remains Humperdinck's most enduring legacy. Beyond "Hänsel und Gretel," Humperdinck composed other operas, incidental music, and songs, but none achieved the same level of acclaim as his fairy-tale opera.