Peter Schreier transitioned from an alto soloist in the Dresdner Kreuzchor to one of the twentieth century's most prominent lyric tenors, bridging the cultural divide of the German Democratic Republic through international operatic and concert performances. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he maintained a dual identity as both a singer and a conductor of sacred music.
Formative Years in Dresden
Born in Meissen in 1935, Schreier joined the boarding school of the Dresdner Kreuzchor in 1945, shortly after the destruction of Dresden. Under conductor Rudolf Mauersberger, he performed as an alto soloist. His formal education continued at the Kreuzschule until 1954, followed by studies at the Hochschule für Musik Carl Maria von Weber from 1956 to 1959, where he refined his skills as both a singer and a conductor.
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Schreier debuted professionally in 1957 at the Dresdner Staatsoper as the First Prisoner in Beethoven's Fidelio. His career accelerated after 1962, following his success as Belmonte in Mozart's Die Entführung aus dem Serail. In 1963, he joined the Berlin State Opera. Despite his origins in the German Democratic Republic, he performed at major venues including the Vienna State Opera and the Metropolitan Opera, accumulating a repertoire of over 60 operatic roles, such as Tamino in The Magic Flute and the title role in Pfitzner’s Palestrina.
Bach Interpretation and Conducting
Renowned for his portrayal of the Evangelist in J.S. Bach's Passions and Christmas Oratorio, Schreier balanced his singing career with a growing interest in orchestral leadership. By the early 1970s, he was conducting ensembles such as the Vienna Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic. He frequently recorded Bach's cantatas, often acting as both singer and conductor simultaneously, a practice he continued until his final public performance of the Christmas Oratorio in Prague in 2005.
Fast facts
- Born: 1935, Meissen
- Died: 2019, Dresden
- Educated: Kreuzschule, Hochschule für Musik Carl Maria von Weber
- Professional Debut: 1957, Dresdner Staatsoper
- Primary Fields: Opera, Lieder, Conducting
- Notable Awards: Léonie Sonning Music Prize, Bach Medal, Robert Schumann Prize
- GDR Membership: Academy of Arts of the GDR
Questions readers ask
What was Schreier's final role on the opera stage?
His last role at the Berlin State Opera was Tamino in Mozart's The Magic Flute, a performance he chose to retire because he felt he could no longer believably portray a young prince.
Did Peter Schreier perform internationally despite being from the GDR?
Yes, he was one of the few singers from the German Democratic Republic to maintain a regular international presence, appearing at institutions like the Vienna State Opera and the Metropolitan Opera.
Achievements
- National Prize of East Germany
- Léonie Sonning Music Prize — 1988
- Leipzig International Mendelssohn Prize — 2011
- Ernst von Siemens Music Prize — 1988
- Robert Schumann Prize of the City of Zwickau — 1969
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: opera and church music
