Harmony Boys
The Harmony Boys , named Fidelios from 1933 , were a German vocal ensemble from 1932 to 1933.
1932
The members of the group were:
- Wolfgang Leuschner, 1st tenor
- Olaf Meitzner, 2nd tenor
- Heinz Raetz, baritone (left the group in May 1932 and was replaced by Erich Bergau)
- Werner Rössler, bass
- Werner Doege, pianist
The Harmony Boys were founded in Niederschönhausen in 1932. The four high school students wanted to enrich their prom with a musical performance with Werner Doege, who was already a student. For this they studied three songs by the Comedian Harmonists . Although the success was great, Heinz Raetz's parents did not want their son to pursue such a "frivolous" job and so in May 1932 Erich Bergau, a rowing mate of Wolfgang Leuschner, became the new baritone of the Harmony Boys. In the summer of 1932 they got to know Marion Toews' orchestra while performing on the Baltic Sea. With this orchestra, the Harmony Boys made a record for the Artiphon company in September.
The Harmony Boys performed in Berlin, among others at the Großer Schauspielhaus. Here she heard a recording manager from Deutsche Grammophon AG and invited her to test recordings.
1933
On March 20, 1933, they signed an annual contract with the company. At Deutsche Grammophon's efforts, they changed the name to Fidelios . In July 1933 they appeared on Dutch radio. An international tour followed.
The group also made recordings for the sound film The sun rises from Willy Reiber and worked on the synchronization of My lips do not lie (original: My Lips Betray ) with.
In October and December 1933 they toured the Netherlands again. This tour was burdened by some disruptions to the performances by anti-German visitors and the rumor that the group made fun of Beethoven's Fidelio with their name . Back in Berlin, Wolfgang Leuschner and Werner Doege separated from the group and founded a new ensemble, the melodists , with Hans von Bachmayr-Heyda, Wolfgang Schmidt and Gerhard Ullrich . Herbert Imlau and Fried Walter brought in those who remained and called themselves Humoresk Melodios .
Records (selection)
As Harmony Boys
- A shame, really a shame (Grammophon 1971½ BN, Berlin February 27, 1933)
- Aviator, say hello to the sun
- Beautiful Isabella of Castile
- You, you, you, you, you, you
- Dream my little baby
As Fidelios
- So meschugge
- Dorothee (gramophone 10019)
Movies
- Every day you give me is beautiful, Marie-Luise (premiere Germany January 2, 1934) (alternative title: the sun is rising)
- Dubbing My Lips Betray (My Kisses Lies; USA 1933), directed by John G. Blystone, actors: Lilian Harvey, John Boles, El Brendel