Born: April 5, 1925 - Irazee, Minnesota, USA
Died: September 2, 2004 - Murnau

The American bass, Kieth Engen, studied singing first in California. However, he began his opera career however in Austria. In 1955 he became first bass at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, and remained on its roster for almost 40 years, and celebrated great successes. He performed in the premiere of Hindemith’s Harmonie der Welt in 1957. One year later, he recorded some Bach cantatas with Karl Richter, and sang the role of King Henry in Lohengrin at the Bayreuth Festival. He had more appearances at the Bayreuth Festival, and also sang a wide range of opera roles throughout Europe. He was highly regarded as a Lied singer and for his concert performances, especially as soloist in Bach and Händel oratorios. He made few recordings other than Bach for Archiv.

Kieth Engen was married with the opera singer and actress Erika Berghöfer.

Source: Liner notes to Teldec CD 9031-77614-2 (Cantatas BWV 67, 108 & 127 - conducted by Karl Richter, 1992); Opera-L Mailing List; Karl Richter in München Website; German Wikipedia Website; blog 'Karl Richter in München' [Photos]
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (May 2001)

Recordings of Bach Cantatas & Other Vocal Works

Conductor

As

Works

Kurt Bauer

Bass

BWV 147

Eugen Jochum

Bass

BWV 245

Karl Richter

Bass

BWV 4, BWV 8, BWV 12, BWV 45, BWV 60, BWV 67, BWV 78, BWV 79, BWV 108, BWV 127, BWV 137, BWV 140, BWV 147
BWV 232, BWV 244 (x2), BWV 245 [2-CD + Video], BWV 248

Hans Swarowsky

Bass

BWV 248

Links to other Sites

Karl Richter in München - Zeitzeugen erinnern sich: Kieth Engen [German]
Kieth Engen - Biographie (Bayerische Staatsoper) [German]

Kieth Engen (Wikipedia) [German]
Karl Richter in München [German]

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