The Comedian Harmonists were a German close harmony group formed in Berlin in 1928. They were known for their innovative blend of classical, jazz, and folk music, as well as their social commentary and humor. The group disbanded in 1934 due to the rise of the Nazi Party, but they remain one of the most popular and influential vocal groups of all time.
There are a few recovered recordings of The Comedian Harmonists available today, on vinyl, CD, and streaming services. Here are a few of the most popular and critically acclaimed compilations:
The Comedian Harmonists – Vinyl: This 14-song album contains the group’s commercial recordings. The Comedian Harmonists – Box Set CDs: This 50-song collection is a good introduction to the group’s work, featuring some of their most popular songs, such as “Veronika, der Lenz ist da” and “Mein kleiner grüner Kaktus.” The Comedian Harmonists: The Essential Collection: This single-disc collection features 16 of the group’s most popular songs, including “Bei dir war es immer so schön,” “Veronika, der Lenz ist da,” and “Der kleine grüne Kaktus.” Click here to view all 3 collections.In addition to these compilations, there are also many individual recordings of The Comedian Harmonists available. Some of the most popular songs include:
- Veronika, der Lenz ist da
- Mein kleiner grüner Kaktus
- Bei dir war es immer so schön
- Wochenend’ und Sonnenschein
- Ich hab’ mich entliebt
- Liebling, mein Herz lässt dich grüßen
- Ein Freund, ein guter Freund
- In einem kühlen Grunde
- Die kleine Kneipe
- Der alte Dessauer
- Ich hab’ das Fräulein Helen baden sehn
- Die Nacht ist nicht allein zum Schlafen da
The Comedian Harmonists were one of the most innovative and influential vocal groups of all time. Their recordings continue to be enjoyed by listeners around the world today.
The Musical about The Comedian Harmonists
Starting performances on Broadway on October 18th is the first and only musical about this singing group – Harmony: A New Musical.
The complete Broadway cast includes Chip Zien as Rabbi, Sierra Boggess as Mary, Julie Benko as Ruth, Sean Bell, Danny Kornfeld, Zal Owen, Eric Peters, Blake Roman, and Steven Telsey as the Comedian Harmonists, Allison Semmes as Josephine Baker, Andrew O’Shanick as Standartenfϋhrer, Zak Edwards, Dan Hoy, Bruce Landry, Rhonni Rose Mantilla, Daniel Z. Miller, Benjamin H. Moore, Matthew Mucha, Constantine Pappas, Kayleen Seidl, Kyla Stone, Bronwyn Tarboton, Kate Wesler, Stuart Zagnit, and Lee Zarrett.
To learn more about Harmony: A New Musical, click here.
