Born in Vienna on March 12, 1930, Hans Hammerschmid, an outstanding composer, arranger and pianist, left behind a musical legacy that radiated far beyond Austria. He died recently at the age of 94. Hammerschmid was a versatile artist whose work was characterized by his pioneering spirit and his ability to combine jazz, pop and orchestral compositions.
His career began in the 1950s as a pianist in jazz ensembles before he made a name for himself as an arranger and composer. He became particularly well known through his collaboration with Hildegard Knef, for whom he arranged the iconic “Für mich soll’s rote Rosen regnen“, among others. His musical signature also left its mark on film scores and the theme tunes of successful TV series such as “Schwarzwaldklinik” and “Hotel Paradies”. As a conductor, he won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1966 with Udo Jürgens and “Merci Chérie“.
Hans Hammerschmid will be remembered as a composer who built a bridge between different musical worlds with passion and innovation and had a lasting impact on the German-speaking musical landscape. He leaves behind an impressive life’s work that will last for generations.
