Pauline Anna Milder-Hauptmann (1785-1838) als Statira in Spontinis Oper "Olympia" in Berlin 1821. - Lithographie von Chrétien nach einer eigenen Zeichnung aus den Jahren um 1821, anonyme Fotografie, Bonn, um 1900

Anna Milder was one of the most outstanding soprano singers during Beethoven"s time. In 1805 she sang the part of Fidelio in the opera "Leonore". When "Leonore" was performed again after three adaptions in 1815, she once again accepted the main protagonist"s part. In 1810 Anna married Peter Hauptmann, a jeweller, but continued her singing career.

Her exceptionally beautiful voice was widely admired by her contemporaries, among them Napoleon Bonaparte who encouraged her to relocate to Paris. Ludwig van Beethoven, too, highly admired Anna Milder and liked her very much. His affection for her can be seen in a letter the composer sent her to Berlin in 1816 where she had been singing the Fidelio part successfully since 1815. Beethoven also sent her a canon he composed, following the words "Ich küsse Sie, drücke Sie an mein Herz" (I kiss you and hold you to my heart), (WoO 169).