Gerhard Unger

German Tenor and Opera Singer

Gerhard Unger was a renowned German tenor, particularly celebrated for his performances in operas by composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Richard Wagner. Born on November 26, 1916, in Bad Salzungen, he became one of the leading lyric tenors of his time, especially known for his roles in Wagnerian operas. Unger's career was significantly tied to the prestigious Bayreuth Festival, where he performed regularly from 1951 to 1966. His interpretations of character tenor roles like David in "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" and Mime in "Siegfried" were highly acclaimed for their musicality and dramatic authenticity. Unger's contributions to classical music were not limited to live performances; he also left behind a legacy of recorded works, including the operas mentioned above. He passed away on July 4, 2011, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of opera.