Born in Berlin, Germany, Engelmann studied music at the Stern Conservatory and the Berlin Musikhochschule, where his teachers included Paul Juon (composition) and Curt Sachs (musicology). He developed a distinctive style that combined elements of late Romanticism with more modern 20th-century influences, often characterized by lyrical melodies and rich harmonies within a largely tonal framework.
Throughout his career, Engelmann composed a wide range of works, including orchestral pieces, chamber music, vocal compositions, and music for radio and film. His output includes symphonies, concertos, operas, and oratorios. He was particularly active in the post-World War II German music scene, contributing to the reconstruction and development of cultural life. Engelmann also held various positions as a conductor and music director, further influencing the performance and appreciation of contemporary music.
Engelmann's work, though not always at the forefront of avant-garde movements, maintained a consistent level of craftsmanship and expressive depth, earning him recognition within German musical circles. He passed away in Berlin at the age of 78.