Michael Raucheisen facts for kids

Michael Raucheisen was a talented German pianist. He was also known as a song accompanist. This means he played the piano for singers. Michael was born on February 10, 1889, in Rain, Swabia, Germany. He passed away on May 27, 1984, in Beatenberg, Switzerland.

Life and Career of Michael Raucheisen

Michael Raucheisen grew up in a musical family. His father was a master-glazier, but he was also a church organist. He led the church choir and taught music. Michael's family wanted him to have the best music education. So, they moved from their small town to help him develop his musical talents.

Early Life and Studies

From 1902, Michael Raucheisen lived in Munich, Germany. He studied music at the Munich High School for Music. Around 1906, he played the first violin at the Prinzregententheater. He also worked as an organist in St. Michael's church. In 1912, he started famous musical events called Matinees.

Becoming a Song Accompanist

From the early 1920s until the end of World War II, Michael Raucheisen became a popular song accompanist. He played for many famous singers. Some of these singers included Frida Leider, Erna Berger, Hans Hotter, and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. He also played for Karl Schmitt-Walter, Karl Erb, Heinrich Schlusnus, and Helge Rosvaenge.

He had a special way of playing the piano. He would play with the piano lid open. This helped to balance the sound between the singer's voice and the piano. It made the music sound better.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1933, Michael Raucheisen married the soprano singer Maria Ivogün. She had previously been married to Karl Erb. Starting in 1933, Michael worked to create a full collection of German songs. He wanted to record them all. From 1940, he led the Song and Chamber-music department at the Berlin Rundfunk. This was a radio station in Berlin. He helped organize the recording studios there.

After World War II, he was not allowed to work for some years. This was because of his connections to the government at that time. After this period, he only performed in public sometimes. In 1958, he had a very successful tour with Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. After this, he retired from public life. He moved to Switzerland with his wife, Maria Ivogün.

When he turned 95, he was given the special honor of Free Citizenship from his hometown of Rain. Michael Raucheisen and his wife are buried in the municipal cemetery in Rain. Maria Ivogün passed away three years after him.

See also

In Spanish: Michael Raucheisen para niños