Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

April 20, 1900 in Wien, Germany

Death

:

January 10, 1954 in Überlingen, Germany

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Fred Raymond was a German composer and songwriter who was born on April 20, 1900, in Vienna, Austria. His real name was Friedrich Wilhelm Reichert, but he adopted the name Fred Raymond as his stage name. He was the son of a conductor and a singer, and he grew up in a musical family. His father, Wilhelm Reichert, was the conductor of the Vienna Volksoper, and his mother, Maria Jeritza, was a famous opera singer. Raymond showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He studied music at the Vienna Conservatory and later at the University of Vienna. He also studied composition with Franz Schreker, a prominent composer of the time. Raymond's early works were influenced by the Viennese operetta tradition, and he began composing operettas and songs. In 1928, Raymond had his first major success with the operetta "Maske in Blau" (Mask in Blue). The operetta was a huge hit in Germany and Austria and was later translated into several languages and performed around the world. The success of "Maske in Blau" established Raymond as one of the leading composers of operettas in Germany. Raymond continued to compose operettas throughout the 1930s and 1940s, including "Saison in Salzburg" (Season in Salzburg), "Gasparone," and "Friederike." His works were known for their catchy melodies, witty lyrics, and charming characters. Raymond's music was popular with audiences and critics alike, and he received numerous awards and honors for his work. During World War II, Raymond's career was interrupted when he was drafted into the German army. He served as a musician in the army and was stationed in France. After the war, Raymond returned to Vienna and resumed his career as a composer. He continued to compose operettas and songs, including "Blaue Nacht am Hafen" (Blue Night at the Harbor) and "Ich hab' dich lieb" (I Love You). In the 1950s, Raymond's music began to fall out of favor with audiences, as the popularity of operettas declined. However, he continued to compose music for films and television, including the theme song for the popular German television series "Die Firma Hesselbach" (The Hesselbach Company). Raymond died on January 10, 1954, in Hamburg, Germany, at the age of 53. Despite the decline in popularity of operettas, his music continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world. His most famous works, including "Maske in Blau" and "Gasparone," are still performed in theaters and opera houses today. In conclusion, Fred Raymond was a talented composer and songwriter who made significant contributions to the world of operetta and popular music. His catchy melodies, witty lyrics, and charming characters continue to entertain audiences around the world. Despite the challenges he faced during his career, Raymond remained dedicated to his craft and left a lasting legacy in the world of classical music.

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