Nicolai, (Karl) Otto (Ehrenfried)

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Nicolai, (Karl) Otto (Ehrenfried) (b Königsberg, 1810; d Berlin, 1849). Ger. composer and conductor. Taught mus. in Berlin 1830–3, singing in Singakademie. Public concert in Berlin 1833, appearing as composer, singer, and pianist. Went to Rome 1833–6 as org. of Prussian embassy chapel. Kapellmeister and singing master of Kärntnerthor Th., Vienna, 1837, returning to Rome 1838, where he comp. several operas in It. style. Kapellmeister, Vienna Court Opera 1841–7, founding Phil. concerts 28 March 1842. Credited with being first to insert Beethoven's Leonora No.3 ov. into Fidelio as entr'acte (1841). Dir., Berlin Opera 1847, where his most successful opera, Die Lustigen Weiber von Windsor, was prod. 2 months before his death. Also wrote 2 syms., pf. conc., str. qt., etc.