Comedy Harmonists (2)

Successor ensemble of the "Comedian Harmonists", the so-called Exile Group or Viennese Group (1935-1941). Note: Do not confuse with the English ANV "Comedy Harmonists" for the original "Comedian Harmonists" on British or Australian His Master's Voice releases. In March 1935, the Nazi government bans the three Jewish members of the earlier "Comedian Harmonists", Frommerman, Cycowski, and Collin, from performing or recording in Germany; in Summer 1935, Frommermann and Collin's German citizenship is also revoked (Cycowski was already a stateless Pole). The three go into exile to Vienna, Austria, where they form a new ensemble, consisting of Hans Rexeis (1st tenor); Erich-Abraham Collin (2nd tenor); Harry Frommermann (tenor buffo, arranger); Roman Cycowski (baritone); Rudolf Mayreder (bass); and Ernst Engel (piano); in June 1937, Fritz Kramer (piano) replaces Engel. After the Nazis, in March 1935, ban the ensemble's original name, "Comedian Harmonists" from being used in Germany, Collin immediately registers it as a trademark in Paris, France. This allows the exile group to continue recording with His Master's Voice under the name "Comedy Harmonists" on British and Australian releases and as "Comedian Harmonists" on His Master's Voice export releases even though their former colleagues in Germany attempt to prevent their use of the name by suing them in court. As early as July 1935, the new ensemble receives an exclusive recording contract from His Master's Voice. Between 1935-1937, they successfully and repeatedly tour Switzerland, France, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, Belgium, and Luxembourg. They also perform on the radio and make numerous recordings for His Master's Voice. From July-December 1937 they tour Australia and New Zealand; on their way back, they give concerts in Cairo and Athens, yet find that fascist Italy has cancelled a planned tour. When Germany annexes Austria in March 1938, the group flees to London. From there, they tour Scandinavia, South America, and France (1938). After their last London recording session in January 1939, they embark on tours of Belgium, North America, South Africa, and Australia (1939). The outbreak of World War II, however, negatively affects attendance at their concerts. The group gives their last concert in Richmond, Indiana, on May 1, 1940. One year later, they officially split up. Frommermann, Collin and Cycowski settle in the United States and later become US citizens.