German musicians who were born in 1905
Here are 9 famous musicians from Germany were born in 1905:
Karl Amadeus Hartmann
Karl Amadeus Hartmann (August 2, 1905 Munich-December 5, 1963 Munich) otherwise known as Karl Hartmann, KA Hartmann or Hartmann, Karl Amadeus was a German composer. He had one child, Richard Hartmann.
His most well known albums: Funèbre (Münchener Kammerorchester feat. conductor: Christoph Poppen), and .
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Martin Rich
Martin Rich (October 8, 1905-March 1, 2015) was a German conductor.
He was born in Munich, Germany and began his career in music as a pianist. He later transitioned to conducting and quickly gained recognition for his talent. In 1943, Rich emigrated to the United States where he continued to conduct orchestras and work as a music educator. Rich was known for his passionate interpretations of classical music and dedication to sharing his love for music with others. He became one of the leading conductors in the American classical music scene and established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. Rich was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and continued to conduct and teach music until his passing at the age of 109.
Throughout his career, Martin Rich conducted many renowned orchestras worldwide, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. He also served as the music director of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra (now known as the Minnesota Orchestra) and the Louisville Orchestra. In addition to his conducting career, Rich was also a respected music educator. He taught at institutions such as the New England Conservatory of Music and the University of Minnesota. Rich was recognized for his contributions to the field of music with numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Arts in 1994. He was also a published author and wrote several books on classical music. Rich's legacy continues to inspire aspiring musicians and lovers of classical music around the world.
Apart from his professional career, Martin Rich was known for his activism and humanitarian work. He was a strong advocate for peace and social justice, and he often used his music to raise awareness for various causes. During his time in the United States, Rich became involved in the Civil Rights Movement and was a frequent performer at rallies and protests. He also worked to promote cultural exchange between different countries and was a supporter of international diplomacy. Rich believed that music had the power to unite people across borders and could serve as a bridge between different cultures. In recognition of his contributions to the cause of world peace, Rich was awarded the Peace Medal by the United Nations in 1985. He was also honored by several other organizations for his humanitarian work, including the NAACP and the Jewish Federation of North America. Rich's dedication to music and his commitment to social justice continue to inspire generations of musicians and activists.
In addition to his professional and humanitarian work, Martin Rich was also a devoted family man. He was married to his wife, Ruth, for over 50 years until her passing in 1993. Together, they had two children and several grandchildren. Rich was known for his warm personality and his love for his family, and he often spoke about the importance of balancing his personal and professional life. Despite his busy schedule, Rich made time to attend his children's school events and spend quality time with his family. He often credited his family for his success, stating that their support and encouragement were instrumental in his career. Today, Martin Rich is remembered as a legendary conductor, educator, activist, and family man who made a significant impact on the world of classical music and beyond.
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Winfried Zillig
Winfried Zillig (April 1, 1905 Würzburg-December 18, 1963 Hamburg) a.k.a. Winfried Petrus Ignatius Zillig was a German composer, film score composer, conductor and music theorist.
He began his musical studies early in life, learning the piano, violin, and trumpet. He later attended the Leipzig Conservatory where he studied composition and conducting under Hermann Grabner. Zillig's first major success as a composer came with his opera "Münchhausen," which was premiered in Frankfurt in 1934.
During World War II, Zillig worked as a soldier and a composer for the German military. After the war, he was imprisoned by the Allies for several years before being released in 1949. He then returned to Germany and resumed his career as a composer.
In addition to his work in the classical music world, Zillig composed scores for numerous films, including "The Last Ten Days" and "Pünktchen und Anton." He also worked as a conductor for several opera companies in Germany.
As a music theorist, Zillig was known for his work on the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, and his book "Bachs Orchestermusik" is still highly regarded today. Overall, Zillig was a highly respected figure in the German music world, and his legacy continues to be felt in his compositions and writings.
Zillig's post-war career flourished with many commissions for new works, including the oratorio "Christus" and the opera "Der Tag des Gerichts." He also served as the director of the Hamburg State Opera from 1951 until his death in 1963. Zillig was a prominent figure in the development of avant-garde music in Germany, and his compositions often incorporated serialism and atonality. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Darmstadt Summer Courses for New Music, which became an important forum for contemporary music in Europe. Zillig was a dedicated teacher and taught composition and music theory at several institutions across Germany, including the Berlin University of the Arts and the Hamburg Conservatory.
Zillig received numerous accolades for his contributions to music, including the Grand Federal Cross of Merit and the Robert Schumann Prize. His music was highly regarded for its complexity and innovation, and his operas in particular were celebrated for their daring subject matter and bold use of harmony and orchestration. Zillig's work demonstrated a commitment to exploring new frontiers in composition, while also acknowledging the traditions of German classical music. Today, his music is still performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, and he is remembered as one of the most important figures in 20th century German music.
Zillig was also known for his collaborations with some of the most prominent literary figures of his time, including Bertolt Brecht and Thomas Mann. He composed the music for Brecht's play "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" and Mann's radio play "The Transposed Heads." Zillig's interest in literature was reflected in his own compositions, many of which were based on literary works. His opera "Der Schuhu und die Flaschengeister" was inspired by the novel "The Owl Service" by Alan Garner, and his oratorio "Hermannsschlacht" was based on a play by Heinrich von Kleist.
As a conductor, Zillig was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring out the nuances of a score. He was particularly noted for his interpretations of the music of Bach and other Baroque composers. Zillig was also a champion of contemporary music and conducted numerous premieres of works by composers such as Karlheinz Stockhausen and Luigi Nono.
Zillig's approach to composition was informed by his wide-ranging interests and his belief in the importance of experimentation and innovation. He was constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional harmony and tonality, and his music often included unusual instrumental combinations and extended techniques. Despite his avant-garde tendencies, however, Zillig remained firmly rooted in the classical tradition, and his work is marked by a deep respect for the conventions of the past.
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Max Schmeling
Max Schmeling (September 28, 1905 Klein Luckow-February 2, 2005 Wenzendorf) also known as Maximillian Adolph Otto Siegfried Schmeling, The Black Uhlan, Black Uhlan of the Rhine, Maximillian Adolph Otto Siegfried "Max" Schmeling, German Dempsey or Max was a German professional boxer, actor and businessperson.
Schmeling was one of the most famous boxers of the 20th century, having won both the heavyweight championship of the world and an Olympic gold medal in boxing for Germany. He is largely remembered for his two fights against Joe Louis, where he won the first match in a major upset but was defeated in a highly publicized rematch.
Outside of the ring, Schmeling was a controversial figure owing to his association with the Nazi party in Germany. However, he was later known for his efforts to protect and support two Jewish children during the Holocaust, and for his friendship with Joe Louis despite their differences in nationality and race.
After retiring from boxing, Schmeling worked as a businessperson and became a successful Coca-Cola executive in Germany. He was also involved in acting, and appeared in several films both in Germany and in the United States. Schmeling passed away at the age of 99 at his home in Wenzendorf, Germany.
Schmeling began his boxing career in 1924 and quickly rose to fame, winning the European heavyweight title in 1928. In 1930, he defeated Jack Sharkey to become the heavyweight champion of the world. He held the title until 1932 when he lost to Sharkey in a controversial rematch.
Schmeling's association with the Nazi party began in 1933 when he was introduced to Adolf Hitler. Despite claims that he was a member of the party, Schmeling always maintained that he was not a political person and only attended events when he was invited. However, his image suffered when he was featured in Nazi propaganda films and he was widely criticized for fighting for Germany during World War II.
Despite his controversial past, Schmeling was admired for his bravery during his two fights against Joe Louis. In their first match in 1936, Schmeling defeated Louis in a 12-round knockout, which made him a national hero in Germany. However, in their highly anticipated rematch in 1938, Louis defeated Schmeling in just two minutes, solidifying his position as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Schmeling's bravery extended beyond the ring, however. In 1938, he helped Jewish children escape persecution in Germany and supported their education and well-being throughout World War II. After the war, Schmeling and Louis became close friends and remained so until Louis' death in 1981.
Schmeling's legacy as one of boxing's greatest champions remains intact to this day. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992 and was recognized for his contributions to boxing and society as a whole.
Schmeling was born in the small village of Klein Luckow in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. He grew up in a poor family and began boxing as a teenager to make some money. He quickly developed a talent for the sport and embarked on a professional career in 1924.
Schmeling's success in the ring brought him fame and fortune, but he was also known for his charm and good looks. He became a popular figure in Germany and was admired by both men and women.
In addition to his achievements in boxing, Schmeling was also an accomplished pilot. He learned to fly in the 1920s and later joined the Luftwaffe, the German air force, during World War II. He flew numerous missions over Europe and was eventually shot down over Tunisia in 1943. He survived the crash and spent several years as a prisoner of war before being released in 1945.
After the war, Schmeling returned to Germany and resumed his career as a businessman. He became involved with Coca-Cola and helped to establish the company's operations in Germany. He also appeared in several films, including "The Young Rajah" (1922) and "Max Schmeling vs. Joe Louis" (1938).
Schmeling's reputation was tarnished by his association with the Nazi party, but he was later recognized for his humanitarian efforts during the Holocaust. He supported Jewish children and helped them escape persecution, putting his own safety at risk in the process.
Schmeling remained active in the boxing world even after retiring from the ring. He trained and managed several fighters, including Rudi Lubbers and Gerrie Coetzee. He also worked as a commentator for German television, providing insights and analysis on boxing matches.
Schmeling was married to Anny Ondra, a Czech actress, from 1933 until her death in 1987. He then married a German actress, Ursula Gadow, in 1995. The couple remained together until Schmeling's death in 2005 at the age of 99.
Schmeling's contributions to boxing and humanity were recognized throughout his life and after his passing. He was awarded the German Order of Merit in 1970 and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003. In 2004, he was named an honorary citizen of Wenzendorf, the town where he lived for many years. Schmeling was known for his humility and generosity, and he donated much of his wealth to charitable causes.
Despite his controversial past, Schmeling's legacy remains as one of the greatest boxers in history, and as a kind and compassionate human being. His story is a testament to the fact that even those who fall into difficult circumstances can rise above and make a positive impact on the world.
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Lale Andersen
Lale Andersen (March 23, 1905 Bremerhaven-August 29, 1972 Vienna) otherwise known as Lale Anderson, Andersen, Lale, Engel der Soldaten or Elisabeth Carlotta Helena Berta Bunnenberg was a German singer and actor. Her children are Michael Wilke, Litta Magnus and Björn Wilke.
Her albums include Gold Collection, Lied eines jungen Wachtpostens (Lili Marleen), Lili Marleen, Unter einem Regenschirm am Abend / Unter der roten Laterne von St. Pauli and .
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Walter Richter
Walter Richter (May 13, 1905 Berlin-July 26, 1985 Vienna) was a German actor.
He began his acting career in the 1920s in Berlin and went on to work in theaters across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Richter was known for his versatility and ability to play a wide range of characters in both drama and comedy. He appeared in over 100 films throughout his career and was a leading actor in many popular German films of the 1930s and 1940s. In addition to his work on stage and screen, Richter was also a successful voice actor and dubber, providing the German voice for actors such as Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart. After World War II, he continued to work in the film industry and settled in Vienna, Austria, where he lived until his death in 1985.
Richter was a prominent figure in the Austrian film scene and starred in many notable productions, including "The Third Man" (1949) and "The Eiger Sanction" (1975). He also continued to work in theater and appeared in numerous productions at the Burgtheater and other theaters in Vienna. Richter was a respected and admired actor, known for his dedication to his craft and his professionalism on and off the set. He was awarded the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art in 1965 and was later made an honorary citizen of Vienna in recognition of his contributions to the city's cultural life. Today, Richter is remembered as one of Germany and Austria's most talented and versatile actors of the 20th century.
Throughout his career, Richter collaborated with many esteemed directors, such as Fritz Lang, Billy Wilder, and Helmut Käutner. He was often cast in roles that suited his debonair and charming demeanor, but he also demonstrated his mastery of dramatic acting in films like "Menschen im Hotel" (1932) and "Ein Leben lang" (1940). Despite having acted in several Nazi propaganda films during the war, Richter was known for his principled approach to his work and his outspoken opposition to the Nazi regime. He fled Germany in 1945 and later became a naturalized Austrian citizen. Richter was married twice, first to actress Elisabeth Markus and later to actress Margot Hielscher. He had two children, Ursula and Michael, both of whom also became actors.
Richter's legacy as an actor and voice artist continues to be celebrated in German and Austrian film and television. In 2005, a retrospective of his work was held at the Filmmuseum Berlin and his contributions to the film industry were recognized with a star on the Boulevard of Stars in Berlin. Today, many film scholars and fans consider Walter Richter to be one of the most important and versatile actors to emerge from Germany and Austria in the 20th century. His work has had a lasting impact on the film industry and continues to inspire new generations of actors and artists.
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Willy Schneider
Willy Schneider (September 5, 1905 Mediaș-January 12, 1989) also known as Schneider, Willy, Willi Schneider or Schneider, Willi was a German , .
Willy Schneider was a famous German folk singer and actor known for his contributions to the traditional German folk music genre. Born in Mediaș, Romania in 1905, he grew up in a musical family and began playing the accordion at a young age. He later learned to play the guitar and became a popular performer in his hometown.
In the early 1930s, Schneider moved to Germany and began his professional career as a singer and musician. He became a popular radio and stage performer, known for his distinctive voice and his ability to connect with audiences through his music.
Schneider also appeared in a number of films, playing character roles in movies such as "The Great Freedom No. 7" (1944) and "Peppermint Soda" (1977). He continued to perform and record music in the traditional German style throughout his life, and he remains a beloved figure in German music and culture to this day.
In addition to his successful career as a musician and actor, Willy Schneider was also a talented composer and songwriter. He wrote many of his own songs, which often focused on themes of love, nature, and friendship. He was particularly known for his ability to blend traditional German folk music with elements of other genres, such as jazz and swing.
Despite his popularity, Schneider faced challenges throughout his career due to his refusal to join the Nazi party during World War II. As a result, he was often subjected to censorship and persecution, and was temporarily banned from performing on the radio. Despite these setbacks, he remained committed to his music and continued to perform for his fans, even during the difficult post-war years.
Today, Willy Schneider is remembered as a pioneering figure in the German folk music scene, and his music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world. His enduring legacy has inspired countless musicians and performers, and his contributions to German culture are still widely appreciated today.
Throughout his career, Willy Schneider released numerous popular albums including "Sing' mit -- Lieder zum Mitsingen" and "Spaziergang durch Wien". He also performed on several television programs and was a frequent guest on popular game shows.In 1960, Schneider was awarded the prestigious Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his contributions to German music and culture.Most notably, his rendition of the song "Die Fischerin vom Bodensee" remains a popular folk song in Germany and has been covered by many other artists. Schneider passed away in 1989 at the age of 83, but his music and legacy continue to live on.
Schneider's music was not only popular in Germany, but also in other countries throughout Europe and even in the United States. He performed at numerous international music festivals throughout his career, where he shared his love for traditional German folk music with audiences from around the world. Schneider's music was known for its simple yet profound melodies, which often celebrated the beauty of nature and reflected the joys and sorrows of everyday life.
Despite his success and recognition as a talented musician, Schneider remained humble and grounded throughout his life. He was known for his kind heart and friendly personality, and his fans often described him as approachable and down-to-earth. His music continues to be a source of comfort and inspiration for many people, and his contributions to German culture remain invaluable.
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Ernst Hermann Meyer
Ernst Hermann Meyer (December 8, 1905 Berlin-October 8, 1988 Berlin) also known as Ernst Meyer, Prof. Ernst H. Meyer, E.H. Meyer or E. Meyer was a German film score composer.
Meyer studied composition under Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern, Alban Berg, and Kurt Weill, and he later worked as a composer for several German film productions. He was one of the leading figures in the development of film music as an art form and was particularly interested in the ways in which music could enhance the emotional content of a film. Meyer also wrote extensively on the theory and history of film music and was a respected educator, serving as a professor at the Berlin University of the Arts for many years. In addition to his work in film music, Meyer composed numerous chamber and orchestral works, as well as vocal and choral compositions. He was a member of the Berlin Academy of Arts and Sciences and was awarded the National Prize of East Germany in 1964.
Meyer's film scores were known for their expressive and emotive qualities, as well as their distinctive use of dissonance and atonality. During the 1930s and 1940s, he worked on several notable films, including "Münchhausen" and "Unter den Brücken". However, Meyer's career was affected by the rise of the Nazi party, and he was forced to leave his position at the Berlin Academy in 1933 due to his Jewish heritage. Meyer spent much of the following years in exile, living and working in various countries, including the United States, before returning to East Germany in 1949.
Throughout his long and distinguished career, Meyer made significant contributions to the study and understanding of film music, publishing numerous articles and books on the subject. In 1966, he was appointed as the first director of the newly established Institute for Film Music at Berlin University, where he continued to teach and research until his retirement in 1973. Meyer's legacy was celebrated posthumously in 2011 when the Ernst Hermann Meyer Archive was established at the Academy of Arts in Berlin, preserving his extensive collection of scores, manuscripts, and writings for future generations.
Meyer was also an active member of the Communist Party of Germany and the East German cultural scene, composing several works that reflected his political convictions, including "9 May 1945," an oratorio celebrating the victory of the Soviet army over Nazi Germany. He also served as the president of the East German Composers' Union from 1952 to 1958. Despite his political affiliations, Meyer's music was widely respected by audiences and critics alike, and he continued to receive numerous awards and prizes throughout his career, including the Order of Merit of the German Democratic Republic in 1970. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential pioneers of film music and a significant figure in the development of contemporary classical music.
Meyer's contributions to film music were not solely limited to his work as a composer. He was also an advocate for more recognition of film music as a legitimate art form, urging for greater collaboration between composers and filmmakers. He believed that music played a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact of a film and that composers should work closely with directors to create a cohesive and powerful audio-visual experience. This philosophy was reflected in his own work, which often blended traditional orchestral music with more experimental techniques to create complex and nuanced soundscapes.
In addition to his work as a composer and educator, Meyer was also an active participant in the cultural and political life of East Germany. He was a member of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany and served several terms as a member of the East German parliament. Despite his political activities, Meyer's music remained his primary focus, and he continued to compose prolifically throughout his life. His compositions reflect a wide range of influences, from his early Schoenberg-influenced works to more avant-garde and experimental pieces that incorporate elements of jazz and atonality.
Meyer's legacy continues to be felt in the world of film music, particularly in his emphasis on the importance of collaboration and artistic experimentation. His writings and teachings have inspired generations of composers and filmmakers, and his contributions to the development of contemporary classical music have been widely recognized and celebrated. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer and innovator in the field of film music and as one of Germany's most important composers of the 20th century.
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Peter Kreuder
Peter Kreuder (August 18, 1905 Aachen-June 28, 1981 Salzburg) a.k.a. Peter Paul Kreuder, Kreuder, Peter or das Peter-Kreuder-Ensemble was a German film score composer, pianist, conductor, actor and composer.
He was an incredibly talented musician who started playing the piano at a young age and quickly gained recognition for his skills. Kreuder went on to compose music for over 170 films in his career, working with some of the biggest names in the German film industry. He was also a skilled conductor, leading orchestras across Europe in performances of his own compositions as well as classic works by other famous composers.
In addition to his work in film and music, Kreuder was also an accomplished actor, appearing in several movies and television shows over the years. He was considered one of the most popular and influential musicians of his time, and his music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by people all around the world. Kreuder passed away in Salzburg in 1981, but his legacy lives on through his beautiful musical compositions and his lasting impact on the world of music.
Kreuder's musical talent was apparent at a young age, and he began studying piano and composition with some of the best teachers in Germany. He quickly gained recognition for his skills and became a sought-after composer and performer. His music was known for its catchy melodies, lush harmonies, and playful, witty style.
Kreuder was particularly well-known for his work in the film industry, where his music helped give many of Germany's most beloved films their memorable soundtracks. He composed music for a wide range of films, from romantic comedies to epic dramas, and his work helped to define the sound of German cinema in the mid-20th century.
In addition to his work in film and music, Kreuder was also an accomplished conductor, leading orchestras in performances of both his own compositions and classic works by other composers. He was known for his energetic, charismatic style on the podium, and his performances were always a highlight of any concert or music festival.
Despite his success in music and film, Kreuder never lost his love for performing. He continued to tour throughout his career, playing concerts all over the world and sharing his music with audiences near and far.
Today, Kreuder is remembered as one of the most talented and influential musicians of his time. His music continues to be performed and recorded by musicians all around the world, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of composers and performers.
Kreuder's musical career began in the 1920s when he formed his own dance band, which quickly gained popularity across Germany. He went on to become one of the most successful bandleaders of his time, carving out a niche playing the kind of music that appealed to people across generations and all walks of life. His music was often featured on the radio and in clubs, and he became a household name across the country.
In addition to his work as a musician and conductor, Kreuder was also an accomplished composer of classical music. He wrote a number of symphonies, concertos, and other works for orchestra, many of which were inspired by his travels and experiences around the world. His eclectic style drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including jazz, folk music, and classical traditions from around the world.
Kreuder continued to work in the film industry throughout his career, composing music for some of the most beloved movies of the era. In addition to his work in Germany, he also composed music for films in other countries, including France and the United States. He was known for his ability to capture the mood and tone of a film perfectly, using his music to enhance the story and give emotional weight to the visuals.
Despite his many accomplishments, Kreuder remained humble and focused on his work. He believed that music had the power to bring people together and bridge gaps between different cultures and worldviews. His legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world, and his music remains one of the most enduring and beloved contributions to the world of classical and popular music.
Kreuder was also an innovator in the world of music technology, being one of the first composers to experiment with electronic instruments and recording techniques. He was always interested in pushing the boundaries of what was possible with music, and his willingness to embrace new technologies helped to pave the way for future generations of composers and recording artists.
Despite his success, Kreuder faced many challenges throughout his life, including financial struggles and personal setbacks. However, he never lost his passion for music and continued to create beautiful, timeless works that have stood the test of time. He was always dedicated to his craft, and his commitment to excellence has inspired countless musicians and music lovers around the world.
Today, Kreuder is remembered as a true visionary in the world of music. His contributions to classical, popular, and film music have left an indelible mark on the world, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and composers. He was a true master of his craft, and his music will continue to bring joy and inspiration to people for generations to come.
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