Wagner, Johanna (1826–1894)

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Wagner, Johanna (1826–1894)

German soprano who created the role of Elisabeth in Tannhäuser . Name variations: Johanna Jachmann-Wagner. Born on October 13, 1826, in Lohnde, Germany; died on October 16, 1894, in Würzburg, Germany; adopted daughter of tenor and producer Albert Wagner (1799–1874), composer Richard Wagner's brother; niece of Cosima Wagner (1837–1930); married Alfred Jachmann.

Johanna Wagner was born in Lohnde, Germany, in 1826. The adopted daughter of Albert Wagner, a tenor and opera producer who was also the brother of composer Richard Wagner, Jo-hanna began her own opera career in 1844. With a voice described by Richard as "incomparably beautiful," she also possessed a charming stage personality. Johanna performed in major opera houses in cities throughout Europe, including Hamburg, Berlin and London. Her roles included Tancredi, Lucrezia Borgia , Fidès and Ortrud, and she created the role of Elisabeth in Tannhäuser. Richard Wagner had hopes that she would become the "representative" of his music—and his first Brünnhilde—but was eventually disillusioned, calling his niece vain and self-seeking. Johanna Wagner, who married Alfred Jachmann, died in Würzburg, Germany, in 1894.

Paula Morris , D.Phil., Brooklyn, New York

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Wagner, Johanna (1826–1894)

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