Paul Dessau German composer and conductor Date of Birth: 19.12.1894 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Musical Beginnings
2. Education and Career in Berlin
3. Military Service, Weimar Republic, and Nazi Era
4. Post-War Career in East Germany
5. Marriage, Death, and Legacy

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Paul Dessau was born on December 19, 1894, in Hamburg, Germany, into a musically inclined family. His grandfather was a cantor, his uncle a violinist at the Berlin State Opera, and his cousin, Max Winterfeld, was a celebrated operetta composer.

At a young age, Dessau displayed a talent for music. He sang at the age of three and began violin lessons at six. By his teens, he had made his concert debut and seemed destined for a career as a violinist. However, a weakness in his left hand prompted his teacher to suggest he pursue a different musical path.

Education and Career in Berlin

In 1909, Dessau enrolled at the Klindworth-Scharwenka Conservatory in Berlin. While continuing his violin studies, he specialized in conducting and took piano lessons with Eduard Behm, a student of Johannes Brahms.

In 1912, Dessau became concertmaster at the Hamburg City Theater, where he studied with Felix Weingartner and Arthur Nikisch. He also acquainted himself with Giacomo Puccini and Enrico Caruso.

Military Service, Weimar Republic, and Nazi Era

Dessau's military service during World War I left him with a deep aversion to militarism. After being wounded, he returned to Germany and joined a military band.

During the Weimar Republic, Dessau worked as a conductor at various theaters. He served as concertmaster and assistant conductor at the Cologne Opera from 1919 to 1923 and as conductor at the Deutsche Oper Berlin from 1925 to 1933.

With the rise of the Nazis, Dessau left Germany in 1933. He settled in New York in 1939 but returned to Germany in 1948 after the war.

Post-War Career in East Germany

In East Berlin, Dessau became a leading figure in the musical and cultural life of the German Democratic Republic. From 1952, he taught at the State Drama School and became a professor in 1959.

Dessau was an active member of the Deutsche Akademie der Künste Berlin, serving as a vice-president from 1957. He also collaborated on several film scores with renowned directors.

Marriage, Death, and Legacy

Dessau married choreographer and director Ruth Berghaus in 1954, and their son Maxim became a film director. Dessau died on June 28, 1979, at the age of 84.

Dessau's musical output includes operas, musicals, ballets, symphonies, and other orchestral works. He is remembered for his contributions to music for film and his innovative compositions that blended classical and modern elements.