Episode #11 Christoph Eichhorn in conversation with Max Raabe, Andrej Hermlin and David Hermlin.
Christoph Eichhorn in conversation with three renowned legends of big band and swing- Max Raabe, Andrej and David Hermlin. The three stars discuss tradition and innovation that keeps the genre relevant and continues to thrill and unify audiences worldwide.
German dialogue with translated subtitles- PLAY FULL SCREEN
Christoph Eichhorn- Moderator
Christoph Eichhorn, born in Kassel in 1957, grew up in the world of theatre. His father, Werner Eichhorn, was an actor at the Schauspielhaus Bochum under the legendary Peter Zadek, where Christoph took his first professional steps in 1973. After appearing in ‘The Tenderness of Wolves,’ directed by Ulli Lommel and produced by Fassbinder, he worked in theatre with Werner Schroeter, Rosa von Praunheim and Zadek before achieving prominence as Hans Castorp in Geissendörfer’s ‘The Magic Mountain’ (1982). International film work followed with directors including Krzysztof Zanussi, Masahiro Shinoda and Danny Huston. Eichhorn made his directing debut in 1987 with ‘Beyond Blue’ and, after leaving acting in 2000, established himself as a director of television series. He lives between Berlin, Lisbon and Sri Lanka.
Max Raabe
Max Raabe is a celebrated singer, bandleader, and entertainer best known for reviving the elegant sound of 1920s and 1930s popular music. He founded the Palast Orchester in 1985 while studying classical music in Berlin, initially performing at student parties before gaining widespread acclaim. With his smooth baritone voice, impeccable phrasing, and deadpan humour, Raabe brings vintage German chansons and American swing classics to life with both authenticity and irony. His performances combine meticulous musicality with theatrical elegance, often in white tie and tails, evoking the glamour of Weimar-era cabaret. International tours have taken him to Carnegie Hall, London’s Royal Albert Hall, and concert stages worldwide. In addition to classic repertoire, Raabe collaborates with contemporary artists, blending old and new with wit and charm. His work has made him a cultural icon, bridging nostalgic sophistication and modern entertainment with timeless style.
Andrej Hermlin
Andrej Hermlin is one of Germany’s leading swing bandleaders, musicians, and cultural ambassadors. The son of writer Stephan Hermlin, he grew up immersed in music and founded The Swing Dance Orchestra in 1987, dedicating his career to authentically reviving the sound and spirit of 1930s swing. Under his direction, the orchestra became internationally acclaimed for its meticulous arrangements and glamorous performances reminiscent of the big band era. Hermlin has toured across Europe, the USA, and Russia, performing in prestigious concert halls and festivals. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he gained national attention for staging daily live swing concerts from his living room, reaching thousands online and keeping the music alive. Beyond performance, Hermlin is a passionate advocate for preserving musical heritage, often collaborating with his children, Rachel and David Hermlin, who continue the family tradition. His work has made swing a vibrant, living art form in contemporary Germany.
