| 2. | Paul Caspar GREEFF was born on 3 Jul 1854 in Koln (son of Richard GREEFF and Cacilie GARTHE); died on 18 May 1923 in Frankfurt Am Main. Notes:
Paul first took up a career in business, but quite soon he started taking part as amateur in musical performances in Koln. In 1876 he decided to become an opera singer and took lessons from dr. Franz Kruckl.
Soon after completion of his studies he found an engagement at the court theatre in Dresden, where he successfully made his debut as the Komthur in Don juan in 1878. In 1880 he went to the City Theatre inNurnberg, in 1881 to the Opera House in Kolnn, in 1883 to the Court Theatre in Kassel, and in 1889 to the City Theatre in Frankfurt am Main.
On the stage as well as in concerts he showed a rich and much praised ability. His artistic repertoire was very large; he sang all serious bass roles and performed excellently in a large part of the basso buffo and humouristic roles. He had a large, textured and sonorous bass (from low C to high F and G)
His large imposing figure and his characterization stood him in very good stead in parts like Hagen, Daland, Bertram, Mephisto, King Mark, Sarastro, Marcel, Landgraf, Osmin, Falstaff and others.
At the Bayreuth Festival 1897he successfully sang the part of hagen three times and after his first appearance mrs Cosima Wagner sent him the letter to his wife, her reproduced in facwsimile.
He was holder of the Medal for art and science.
(Research):Anecdotes from the Huckenbach english translation by Greeff. Francois and Greeff, Viljoen.
At the time when his youngest daugether could say nothing about his occupation, the distinguished opera singer, who could look back on a proud career and laurels at Beyreuth, was consulting Dr. Avellis, the throat, nose and ear specilist. The latter lay aside his mirror and grumbled:"you should pack in the damned smoking , my dear friend! it damages the voice box and causes chronic pharyngitis."
But the singer would have none of that. "You might as well kill me on the spot, doctor" he answered in his deep bass voice, the very bass that ensured his success. The doctor washed hishands. "Very well, I will allow you two cigars per day, but nothing more understood?"
"Yes doctor, much thanks."
Paul greef left with a sly smile. Minutes later he entered the shop of his tobacconist. The somewhat stout dealer searched assiduously on a shelf, snatched a box and cried, before the singer could utter anything- aside from the greeting- "I know Mr Greeff! Your brand 'La Corona' here we have it already. Ten cigars at twenty as always?"
Only now could Greef interrupt the flood of words of the tobacco-worn dealer: "You know nothing, my dear fellow, I may only smoke two cigars, my doctor has forbidden me more!"
'Terrible" said the dealer regretfully. "not foryou, my dear fellow, please show me the greatest cigars, I mean the largest in size, that you have in stock." After a search they were found. It was a brand of Upmann, costing a mark apiece. Paul Greeff laughed: "Very good! From now on I'll always have two of these. In this way my doctor and I will both be satisfied." So saying he left quickley through the merrily tinkling shop door.
This was one of the cases which gave rise to the "classis" saying of one of his best friends, the actor Kleinecke from Koln: "My friend Paul adapts the philosophy of his life to suit his requirements!"
Paul married Helene GESTEWITZ on 18 Dec 1880. Helene (daughter of Director Of Posts GESTEWITZ) was born on 18 Jul 1859 in Soest; died on 9 Sep 1886 in Kassel. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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1886 - Yes, date unknown
