Helmut Zacharias: The Magic Violinist
Early Life
Helmut Zacharias was born on January 27, 1920, in Berlin, Germany. His father, Karl, was a violinist and conductor, and his mother was a singer. He began taking lessons from his father at the tender age of two and a half. By the age of six, he was already performing at the Faun club, a cabaret venue on the Friedrichstraße in Berlin. At eight years old, he became the youngest student in Gustav Havemann’s masterclass at the Berlin Academy of Music.
Musical Beginnings
At the age of 11, Zacharias made his radio debut with a performance of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major. He began touring in 1934 when he was just 14 years old. During the 1930s, he was heavily influenced by the records of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli’s all-string jazz band, which were available in Germany at the time.
Rise to Fame
In 1940, Zacharias was discovered by Lindström-Electrola, the then-name of the German branch of EMI. He had his first mainstream success in 1941 with “Schönes Wetter Heute”. By the 1950s, he was considered one of the best jazz violinists in Europe and was dubbed “The Magic Violinist” and “Germany’s Mr. Violin”.
International Success
In 1956, Zacharias achieved his greatest success in the United States with the release of “When the White Lilacs Bloom Again”, which reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. On November 21, 1964, he reached number 9 in the UK Singles Chart with “Tokyo Melody” following its use as theme music for the BBC’s coverage of the 1964 Summer Olympics.
Later Years and Legacy
Zacharias moved to Switzerland in the late 1950s and continued playing with many other famous artists, including Yehudi Menuhin. From 1968 to 1973, he appeared in his own television show. In 1985, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Over his career, he created over 400 works and sold 14 million records.
Personal Life and Death
Zacharias was married to Hella from 1943 until his death. Together they had two sons, Stephan and Thomas, and a daughter, Sylvia. Stephan, born in 1956, is a composer whose credits include the soundtrack to the Academy Award-nominated film Downfall. Zacharias was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 1995 and retired from public life in 1997. He passed away on February 28, 2002, in Brissago, Switzerland.
- Schönes Wetter Heute”: This was Zacharias’s first mainstream success in 1941. It showcases his unique style and musical prowess.
- “When the White Lilacs Bloom Again”: Released in 1956, this track achieved great success in the United States, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- “Tokyo Melody”: This piece became popular after being used as theme music for the BBC’s coverage of the 1964 Summer Olympics. It reached number 9 in the UK Singles Chart.
- “Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White”: This is one of the numbers included in his “Greatest Hits” album. It’s a beautiful composition that showcases Zacharias’s talent and versatility.
- “Blue Blues”: This is one of Zacharias’s own most attractive compositions, also included in his “Greatest Hits” album.
- “Under The Linden Tree”: Another track from his “Greatest Hits” album, this piece is a testament to Zacharias’s ability to create captivating melodies.
- Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major by Mozart: Zacharias performed this piece on the radio at the age of 11, marking his radio debut.
- “12 Violin Sonatas, Op.2 (Vivaldi)”: This album, released in 1953, features Zacharias’s renditions of Vivaldi’s violin sonatas.
- “The Magic Violinist”: This album showcases why Zacharias was dubbed “The Magic Violinist” and “Germany’s Mr. Violin”.
- “Germany’s Mr. Violin”: This album further cements Zacharias’s reputation as one of the best jazz violinists of Europe.
