 |
Paul GodwinGerman violinist, arranger
Date of Birth: 28.03.1902
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Paul Godwin: The German Violinist and Orchestra Leader
- Versatility and Success
- Film Scoring
- Emigration and Later Years
Paul Godwin: The German Violinist and Orchestra Leader
Early Life and CareerPaul Godwin, a German violinist, arranger, and orchestra leader, was born on March 28, 1902, in Sosnowiec, Russian Empire (now Poland). In 1922, he established his own dance ensemble in Berlin, which, under various names, toured and recorded extensively throughout Europe. Godwin's orchestra enjoyed immense popularity, with estimates suggesting that nine million records featuring their performances were sold between 1923 and 1933.
Versatility and Success
Catering to the demands of the music industry, Godwin's orchestra's repertoire encompassed a wide range of genres, including contemporary foxtrots, waltzes, tangos, and polkas. They also performed popular songs from the past and occasionally included classical melodies in their recordings. Godwin's orchestra often accompanied other renowned singers.
Film Scoring
From 1929 to 1933, Godwin ventured into the world of cinema, composing and recording musical themes for UFA, a leading German film studio, during the early era of sound films.
Emigration and Later Years
In 1933, Godwin emigrated to the Netherlands. During the Nazi occupation, he narrowly avoided deportation to a concentration camp due to his wife being of "Aryan" descent. After World War II, he formed a string trio that performed classical compositions. Godwin passed away on December 9, 1982, in Driebergen, Netherlands.
