Composer
1866 – 1946
パウル・リンケ
作曲
1866 — 1946
Early Years and Musical Education
Paul Lincke was born on November 7, 1866, in Berlin and developed a strong affinity for music from an early age. His father, August Lincke, was a military musician and laid the foundation for his son’s musical education. After his father’s early death, the family moved to Wittenberg, where Lincke received his first music lessons. He was particularly fascinated by wind music, which had a lasting impact on his youth. Even as a young boy, Lincke showed extraordinary talent for various instruments, especially the bassoon. He continued his musical education at the Royal Academy of Arts in Berlin, where he not only perfected his bassoon playing but also studied composition and arrangement. However, his curiosity extended beyond classical music. The emerging operetta and popular entertainment music of the time especially caught his interest. After completing his education, he initially worked as a bassoonist in the orchestra of the Lüneburg City Theatre before returning to Berlin to focus more intensely on the growing field of entertainment music. This decision would prove to be a pivotal moment in his later career.
Breakthrough in the Berlin Operetta
In the 1890s, Paul Lincke began working as a bandmaster at various Berlin theatres, including the Central-Theater and the Apollo-Theater. This period was crucial for the Berlin music scene: While the Viennese operetta was dominated by composers such as Johann Strauss II and Franz Lehár, Berlin started developing its own form of light musical theatre. Lincke played a key role in the emergence and establishment of the Berlin operetta. His works were influenced by the French opéra bouffe, German marches, and the distinct character of Berlin folk songs. His major breakthrough came in 1899 with the operetta Frau Luna, which remains his most famous work to this day. The song Berliner Luft from this operetta became the unofficial anthem of Berlin. Frau Luna was a huge success and made Lincke famous beyond the city’s borders. The story of an adventurous journey to the moon was not only entertaining but also reflected the era’s belief in technological progress. The work quickly became a classic and remains a staple in the repertoire of Berlin operetta. Another significant work by Lincke was the operetta Lysistrata (1902), based on the Greek playwright Aristophanes’ comedy of the same name. The combination of an ancient story with modern music made it an intriguing contrast to his more folk-oriented compositions. Also noteworthy is Im Reiche des Indra (1899), which stood out for its exotic tonal colors and melodic richness.
Success and International Recognition
With his popular operetta songs, Paul Lincke soon gained an international audience. His music was particularly appreciated in Austria, the Netherlands, and the United States. In 1908, he traveled to Paris to further his career as a composer and conductor. The French music scene was captivated by his style, as he skillfully combined the elegance of French operetta with the rhythmic strength of German march music. During World War I, Lincke’s music temporarily faded into the background, but the 1920s saw a revival. His songs were used in early sound films, and the Weimar Republic embraced his works as part of sophisticated entertainment music. However, the golden age of operetta was gradually coming to an end, as American popular music—especially jazz—grew in influence. Nevertheless, Paul Lincke remained a central figure in Berlin’s music scene. In 1937, he was awarded the Goethe Medal for Art and Science, and in 1941, he was named an honorary citizen of Berlin—one of the highest distinctions an artist could receive.
Later Years and Legacy
With the rise of the National Socialists, the German music landscape changed dramatically. Classical operetta declined in importance, and Lincke gradually withdrew from public life. During World War II, he left Berlin and moved to Hahnenklee, a small town in the Harz Mountains, where he spent his final years largely removed from the music scene. Paul Lincke passed away on September 3, 1946, in Hahnenklee. While his works may not be as extensively studied as those of 19th-century operetta composers such as Jacques Offenbach or Franz Lehár, his influence on German entertainment music remains undisputed. His song Berliner Luft is still a staple in the repertoire of many brass bands and is often performed at official events. It embodies the lightheartedness, humor, and carefree spirit of Berlin’s culture at the turn of the 20th century. In Berlin itself, Lincke is commemorated in various ways—streets, squares, and music schools bear his name, and his works continue to be performed in operetta theatres and concert halls. Lincke also left a lasting legacy in the development of German entertainment music. He is considered a key figure in the transition from classical operetta to modern film music. Many of his melodies influenced later musical genres, and his impact on composers such as Walter Kollo is undeniable.
Significance in Music History
Paul Lincke is often called the “Father of the Berlin Operetta” because he successfully established a musical tradition distinct from the Viennese operetta. While the waltz dominated in Vienna, Lincke focused on rhythmically striking, march-like melodies that perfectly suited the Berlin audience. His music was characterized by catchy melodies, humorous lyrics, and a folk-like charm, making him one of the most beloved composers of his time. Even though musical tastes have evolved over the decades, Lincke’s influence remains strong. In Berlin, his musical heritage is still alive today. His songs are an integral part of the city’s cultural identity and symbolize the golden era of Berlin operetta. Paul Lincke was more than just a composer—he was a musical chronicler of his time, capturing the essence and character of Berlin in his music. His works remain a fundamental part of German music history and serve as a reminder that high-quality entertainment music can be truly timeless.