Max Raabe

Max Raabe, born on December 12, 1962, in Lünen, founded the Palast Orchester in 1986 with 12 fellow students while studying at the Berlin University of the Arts. Since graduating as a state-certified baritone, he and his ensemble have achieved international success with concert tours across Europe, the USA, Asia, and Israel. His current CD, "Für Frauen ist das kein Problem" (For Women, That's No Problem), is his second collaboration with Annette Humpe. Their first, "Küssen kann man nicht alleine" (You Can't Kiss Alone), was awarded platinum in 2012. Max Raabe's musical taste was shaped early on by Wagner's operatic world. But when he heard 1920s music on the radio and discovered the humorous foxtrot "Ich bin verrückt nach Hilde" (I'm Crazy About Hilde) in his parents' record collection, a passion for the music of the Weimar era was born. He began collecting shellac records and soon became an expert on the songs and style of this bygone era. Max Raabe became increasingly enthusiastic about the idea of performing and singing on stage himself. Therefore, he soon appeared in his father's tailcoat and top hat at small events, performing songs from the 1920s during the heyday of the disco era. In his twenties, Max Raabe moved to Berlin to study opera singing. After graduating, he gained his first experience as a classical baritone but soon realized that his love was primarily for the music of the Weimar era. Since there was no ensemble that played these songs, he quickly decided to found the Palast Orchester with some fellow students. That was in 1986. Meanwhile, "Max Raabe & Palast Orchester" are internationally known for entertainment of the highest caliber. This is primarily due to the uniqueness and high quality of their performances. The classically trained musicians of the orchestra develop their interpretations as seriously as they would with a Beethoven composition. Max Raabe's dry, witty announcements also contribute significantly to their success. Quote: "Perhaps the spouse dragged along to the concert doesn't like the singer, or the music, but perhaps they will enjoy the humor of the announcements." Over the years, Max Raabe has repeatedly managed to surprise the audience. For the CD "Charming Weill," which featured newly discovered dance orchestra arrangements of Kurt Weill's music, he received the Echo Award for Classical Music. "Max Raabe & Palast Orchester" entered the international charts with modern pop hits, which they interpreted in the style of the 1920s. Max Raabe's own humorous compositions, such as "Kein Schwein ruft mich an" (No One Calls Me), suddenly made the orchestra known to a large audience in the early 90s. His latest coup: In the summer of 2010, he composed 12 songs for an album together with pop producer, singer, musician, and composer Annette Humpe. Titled "Küssen kann man nicht alleine" (You Can't Kiss Alone), this became his most successful production to date, achieving platinum in 2012. Now, the successful duo's second album, "Für Frauen ist das kein Problem" (For Women, That's No Problem), has been released. Philosophical reflections on life, such as the realization "Ich bin nur gut, wenn keiner guckt" (I'm only good when no one's looking), love madness, and pure joy of life: the 13 songs on the album are full of emotion, yet they remain subtle, delicate, and understated without becoming overly dramatic. Max Raabe's art lies in maintaining form and composure while still allowing a glimpse into the soul.