Gudehus, Heinrich

1845-

Distinguished dramatic tenor; born at Altenhagen, Hanover; was the son of a schoolmaster in his native village, and began life in the same vocation, later becoming organist at Goslar. His first singing-teacher recognized his talent and sent him to Berlin, where he immediately procured an engagement at the Court Opera under Von Hülsen. After some study under Gustav Engel he made his debut as Nadori in Jessonda, 1871, but after about a year retired for further study under Louise Ress at Dresden. In 1875 he reappeared; from 1880 to 1890 he was a member of the Court Opera at Dresden, and the next season sang in German Opera in New York. On his return to Europe he was engaged as a member of the Court Opera in Berlin, but has since retired. He created the part of Parsifal at the second performance, in Bayreuth, of that renowned opera. On leave of absence in 1882 he sang at Frankfort and Vienna, and in 1884 at Covent Garden as Walther in Die Meistersinger. His interpretation of Wagnerian roles has been particularly successful.