The Comedian Harmonists were a unique male vocal sextet founded in Berlin in 1927 by Harry Frommermann. They combined crack vocal technique and arrangements which led the way to many later innovations in jazz and classical vocal ensembles, with a wonderful sense of humor and a charming presentation style. Three of the original group’s members were Jews and in 1934 they had to break up due to the Nazi regime. A dramatic motion picture – The Harmonists – was based on their true story in 2002 and is available on DVD.
The Dutch vocal group Frommermann named themselves after the founder of the Comedian Harmonists. They use the same voice blend of three tenors, two baritones and a basso plus their pianist. Since their founding in 2004, the ensemble has performed around Europe, having developed their own somewhat more modern version of the style of their famous Berlin predecessors. A number of the 19 songs are in German, but complete lyrics in English are in the note booklet. Their version of the music from Rossini’s Barber of Seville must be heard to be believed. The sextet is arrayed in a horseshoe pattern in front of the listener as they sail thru a variety of classical lieder, folk songs, pop tunes and originals.
– John Sunier
TrackList:
Veronika der Lenz ist da; Eine kleine Fruhlingsweise; Overture to the Barber of Seville; Mein kleiner grüner Kaktus; Stormy Weather; Ali Baba; In einum küchen Grunde; Als ik weer zin heb om te zingen; Wir sind von Kipg bis Fuss auf Liebe eingestellt; Schöne Isabella von Kastilien; Morgen mub ich fort von hier; Wochnend und Sonnenschein; Nuit et Jour; Der Onkel Bumba aus Kalumba; Kannst du pfeifen Johanna?; Guter Mond; Holzhackerlied; Gitarren spielt auf; Liebe wohl, gute Reise.
