Theo Mackeben was a German composer, pianist, and conductor, known for his contributions to music and film during the early to mid-20th century. Here are some interesting facts related to him and his work on "So oder so ist das Leben":
Composer of "So oder so ist das Leben": Theo Mackeben composed the music for the film "So oder so ist das Leben" (English: "Either Way, That's Life"), which was released in 1932. The song became one of his notable compositions.
Innovative Jazz Influences: Mackeben was influential in blending jazz elements into his compositions, contributing to the development of the "Neue Sachlichkeit" (New Objectivity) movement in German music during the 1920s and 1930s.
Collaboration with Bertolt Brecht: He collaborated with renowned playwright Bertolt Brecht on several projects, including the music for Brecht's play "Die Dreigroschenoper" (The Threepenny Opera). His musical arrangements in this production were quite influential.
Film Music Composer: Apart from "So oder so ist das Leben," Mackeben composed music for numerous other films during the 1930s and 1940s, contributing his distinctive style to the cinematic world.
Career in Conducting: Mackeben had a successful career as a conductor, leading various orchestras and ensembles. His expertise in conducting helped him in creating rich and nuanced compositions.
Legacy: His work, especially his contributions to combining classical music with jazz elements, left a lasting impact on German music and continues to influence composers and musicians.
"So oder so ist das Leben" remains a notable piece within Theo Mackeben's repertoire, showcasing his innovative approach to music composition, especially during the dynamic cultural period of Weimar-era Germany.