Role

:

Conductor Performer

Birth

:

January 22, 1900 in Kiel, Germany

Death

:

June 8, 1980 in Bernburg, Germany

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Ernst Busch was a German singer, actor, and political activist who was born on January 22, 1900, in Kiel, Germany. He was the son of a sailor and grew up in a working-class family. Busch's father died when he was only six years old, and his mother struggled to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, Busch showed an early interest in music and began singing in choirs and playing the piano. In 1917, Busch joined the German army and fought in World War I. He was captured by the British and spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner of war. During his captivity, Busch continued to sing and perform for his fellow prisoners. After the war, he returned to Germany and began studying music at the Berlin Conservatory. Busch's career as a professional singer began in the 1920s when he joined the Berlin Workers' Choir. He quickly became one of the group's most popular performers and began to gain a reputation as a talented singer and actor. In 1928, Busch joined the Berlin State Opera and began performing in operas and musicals. Throughout the 1930s, Busch became increasingly involved in left-wing politics and was a vocal critic of the Nazi regime. He was arrested several times for his political activities and was eventually forced to flee Germany in 1933. Busch spent the next several years performing in various countries throughout Europe, including France, Spain, and the Soviet Union. In 1936, Busch was invited to perform at the International Brigades' cultural festival in Barcelona, Spain. The festival was organized to raise awareness and support for the Republican cause during the Spanish Civil War. Busch's performance was a huge success, and he became a symbol of the anti-fascist movement. After the outbreak of World War II, Busch joined the French Resistance and worked as a spy for the Soviet Union. He was eventually captured by the Gestapo and spent the remainder of the war in concentration camps. Despite the harsh conditions, Busch continued to sing and perform for his fellow prisoners. After the war, Busch returned to Germany and resumed his career as a singer and actor. He became a popular performer in East Germany and was awarded the National Prize of East Germany in 1950. Busch continued to perform and record music throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and his recordings of socialist and revolutionary songs became popular throughout the world. Ernst Busch died on June 8, 1980, in East Berlin, Germany. He is remembered as a talented singer and actor who used his art to promote social justice and political change. Busch's legacy continues to inspire musicians and activists around the world.

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