Johann Jakob Graff

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Johann Jakob Graff
chalk drawing by J. Schmeller at the
Goethe National Museum in Weimar

Johann Jakob Graff (born September 23, 1768 in Georgenthal , † March 20, 1848 in Weimar ) was a German theater actor .

Life

Johann Jakob Graff was probably born on September 23, 1768 as the son of a Protestant theologian in Georgenthal (Colmar) .

Johann Jacob Graff studied in Strasbourg theology , but interrupted his studies before the French Revolution , and fled via Amsterdam to Cologne , where he turned to acting.

Graff's first attempts at acting

On April 9, 1789 he made his debut as Cassio in " Othello " on the stage of the Dobler Society in Cologne. In 1790 he was a member of the Bossasch Society for several years and played on their numerous guest appearances across southern Germany, among others, the privy councilor Schenkl in the play " The Six Bowls " by Gustav Friedrich Großmann . Through the mediation of Professor Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi (1743-1819) in Düsseldorf , he managed to get an engagement for the court theater in Weimar on April 10, 1793 and made his debut there as a councilor in the play " Hagestolz " by August Wilhelm Iffland . Under the influence of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller , he quickly celebrated triumphant successes and achieved excellent results in serious and dignified as well as cheerful roles and was notable as the first actor in many classical roles.

Role as Wallenstein

On April 20, 1799 he played the Wallenstein with great flying colors at its premiere of the same name in Weimar. Schiller praised Graff's " held game ", his " excellent recitation " and emphasized that the artist had not said a word on the floor and concluded with these words.

"It shouldn't be so easy for someone else to play the Wallenstein"

- Friedrich Schiller

Goethe also spoke of a " soulful " performance that " excellently and excellently " reproduced the dark, deep, mystical nature of Wallenstein . Everything said would be truthful and come from the heart - “ only that at times, withdrawn from his feelings, he put too great a softness in his expression, which did not quite correspond to the male spirit of the hero. ". But also his other roles in the serious subject such as the role of Götz, Egmont, King Philipps, Shrewsburys, Odvardos, to name a few, were among his best achievements.

Roles in comedy

Johann Jakob Graff also mastered the comedy. His cheerful, happy disposition was reflected in his portrayal of the tenant in “The Two Klingsberg” , the mason Küper in “ The Bricked-up Window ”, the lessee Veit in “ The Cousin from Bremen” and other pieces. During his lecture, however, the disadvantages of the way of declamation common in Weimar were noticed .

Gotthardi described his appearance as " impressive" , among other things , his figure was muscular, " sovereign-looking" , although not particularly large. Vocally he ruled his strong, powerful organ.

Appreciation in Weimar

Johann Jakob Graff was highly valued in Weimar. They tried by all means to keep him at the court theater. In 1802 he received a secret grant of 104 thalers and in 1803 a pension entitlement of 200 and 300 thalers, respectively, as well as an extremely cheap contract. Johann Jakob Graff stayed with the Weimar Theater to the end, celebrated his 50th anniversary as an artist on April 9, 1839 and only left the stage on May 12, 1841 in the role of Abbé de l'Epée in “ The Deaf Mute ” while continuing to receive his full salary. He was also awarded the gold civil merit medal on the country-colored ribbon for his services. On March 20, 1848, he died in Weimar in the midst of the March Revolution .

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personal data
SURNAME Graff, Johann Jakob
BRIEF DESCRIPTION German actor
DATE OF BIRTH September 23, 1768
PLACE OF BIRTH Georgenthal
DATE OF DEATH March 20, 1848
Place of death Weimar