Who were the original members of The Comedian Harmonists?

Oct 4, 2023

The Comedian Harmonists were an internationally famous German vocal group that performed between 1928 and 1934. They were known for their unique blend of close harmony and humor, and they quickly became one of the most popular musical acts in Europe. However, their success came to an end when the Nazis came to power and forced them into exile.

The original members of the Comedian Harmonists were:

1. Harry Frommermann (tenor buffo)
2. Asparuh “Ari” Leschnikoff (first tenor)
3. Erich A. Collin (second tenor)
4. Roman Cycowski (baritone)
5. Robert Biberti (bass)
6. Erwin Bootz (pianist)

Harry Frommermann was the founder and leader of the group. He was a talented singer and comedian, and he was responsible for the group’s unique sound. Ari Leschnikoff was the first tenor of the group. He had a beautiful voice, and he was known for his improvisational skills. Erich A. Collin was the second tenor of the group. He was a versatile singer, and he could sing a wide range of styles. Roman Cycowski was the baritone of the group. He had a rich, powerful voice, and he was known for his dramatic performances. Robert Biberti was the bass of the group. He had a deep, resonant voice, and he was known for his sense of humor. Erwin Bootz was the pianist of the group. He was a talented musician, and he was responsible for the group’s arrangements.

The Dissolution of the Comedian Harmonists

The Comedian Harmonists were forced to disband in 1934 due to the rise of the Nazis. The Nazis were opposed to all forms of art and entertainment that they considered to be “degenerate,” and this included the Comedian Harmonists. The group’s three Jewish members were forced to flee Germany, and the remaining members were forced to disband.

The Legacy of the Comedian Harmonists

The Comedian Harmonists were a unique and talented group of musicians who were forced to abandon their dreams because of the Nazis. Their story is a reminder of the importance of fighting for freedom of expression and artistic creativity. Their music continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world, and their legacy lives on.

 

The Musical about The Comedian Harmonists

Starting performances on Broadway on October 18th is the first and only musical about this singing group – Harmony: A New Musical. 

The complete Broadway cast includes Chip Zien as Rabbi, Sierra Boggess as Mary, Julie Benko as Ruth, Sean Bell, Danny Kornfeld, Zal Owen, Eric Peters, Blake Roman, and Steven Telsey as the Comedian Harmonists, Allison Semmes as Josephine Baker, Andrew O’Shanick as Standartenfϋhrer, Zak Edwards, Dan Hoy, Bruce Landry, Rhonni Rose Mantilla, Daniel Z. Miller, Benjamin H. Moore, Matthew Mucha, Constantine Pappas, Kayleen Seidl, Kyla Stone, Bronwyn Tarboton, Kate Wesler, Stuart Zagnit, and Lee Zarrett. 

To learn more about Harmony: A New Musical, click here.