Role

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Composer

Period

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Modern

Genre

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Vocal

 

Walter Mehring was a German composer, poet, and writer who was born on April 29, 1896, in Berlin, Germany. He was the son of a wealthy Jewish family and grew up in a cultured and artistic environment. His father, Julius Mehring, was a prominent Marxist philosopher, and his mother, Margarete Mehring, was a talented pianist and singer. Mehring showed an early interest in music and began taking piano lessons at a young age. He also showed a talent for writing and began publishing poetry and essays in literary magazines while still in his teens. In 1914, he enrolled at the University of Berlin to study philosophy and literature, but his studies were interrupted by the outbreak of World War I. During the war, Mehring served in the German army and was wounded several times. After the war, he returned to Berlin and resumed his studies, but he soon became disillusioned with academic life and dropped out of university. He began working as a journalist and critic, writing for various newspapers and magazines. In the 1920s, Mehring became involved in the Berlin cabaret scene, which was a vibrant and politically charged environment. He wrote lyrics for cabaret songs and collaborated with composers such as Friedrich Hollaender and Kurt Weill. His songs were often satirical and critical of the political and social climate in Germany at the time. Mehring's most famous song is "Die Moritat von Mackie Messer" ("The Ballad of Mack the Knife"), which he wrote with Kurt Weill for the 1928 musical "Die Dreigroschenoper" ("The Threepenny Opera"). The song became a hit and has since been covered by countless artists in many different languages. It is now considered a classic of the cabaret genre. In addition to his work in cabaret, Mehring also composed classical music. His most famous classical work is the "Kleine Suite für Streichorchester" ("Little Suite for String Orchestra"), which he composed in 1925. The suite consists of four movements and is characterized by its light and playful melodies. Mehring's music was influenced by a variety of styles, including jazz, folk music, and classical music. He was also influenced by the political and social climate of his time, and his music often reflected his leftist political views. In the 1930s, Mehring's career was cut short by the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany. As a Jew and a leftist, he was targeted by the regime and was forced to flee the country in 1933. He spent the rest of his life in exile, living in various countries in Europe and South America. Despite the difficulties he faced in exile, Mehring continued to write and compose music. He wrote several books, including a memoir of his time in Berlin called "Der Wendepunkt" ("The Turning Point"). He also continued to compose music, including several works for chamber orchestra and piano. Mehring died on August 30, 1981, in Zurich, Switzerland. He is remembered as a talented and versatile artist who made significant contributions to both the cabaret and classical music genres. His music and poetry continue to be studied and performed today, and his legacy as a political and social critic remains relevant in our current times.

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