The Comedian Harmonists was a German cabaret-style vocal group led by Harry Frommermann who developed quite a following and enjoyed an eight year period of popularity and success in pre-Nazi Germany. Unfortunately, three of the group’s members were Jewish, and the onset of the Nazi regime spelled the end for the Comedian Harmonists. Even though the Nazis offered Frommermann the opportunity to recruit Aryan replacements for the three Jewish members of the group, they all decided to call it quits in 1935. An acclaimed 1997 German movie called “The Harmonists” tells their rags-to-riches story, and of their unfortunate demise at the hands of a totalitarian government.
This new disc from the Dutch group Frommermann (an obvious and fitting homage to Harry Frommermann) offers a truly entertaining cross-section of the group’s work, all done in Harry Frommermann’s original arrangements. The members of the group not only sing (and superbly, at that), but also use their voices to mimic a variety of instruments, to often hilarious effect, as in the irrepressible “Overture to the Barber of Seville.” These guys plow through repertory as diverse as “Veronika,” “Stormy Weather,” “Ali Baba” and “Night and Day.” It’s an exceptionally entertaining and often jovial listen, to say the least.
As always, Channel Classics recording is reference quality – it just doesn’t get much better than this! Five stars – very highly recommended!
— Tom Gibbs
