University of Freiburg inherits James Last’s musical legacy!

University of Freiburg inherits James Last’s musical legacy!

The University of Freiburg has inherited the musical legacy of the legendary artist James Last. This important collection includes numerous historical documents and artifacts that are of great importance for research and teaching at the university and the College of Music. The estate was handed over by the community of heirs of the Bremerhaven-born composer, arranger and jazz bassist, who lived from 1929 to 2015. Loud uni-freiburg.de The aim of this handover is to archive the heritage in the long term and make it accessible to students, teachers and researchers.

The collection consists of around 200 boxes containing sheet music, records, merchandise and Last's large record collection. This was through the initiative of musicologist Dr. Knut Holtsträter initiated this, pointing out the previously limited research on Last's extensive work. During the handover, he emphasized the possibility of incorporating historical evidence as primary sources in future research projects. Loud schwarzwaelder-bote.de James Last was a central figure in entertainment and dance music in Germany and released more than 160 records.

Scientific use and interdisciplinary conference

Prof. Dr. Sylvia Paletschek, one of those responsible at the university, describes the collection as a huge asset for the institution. It was particularly important to the Last family that this collection be used scientifically, which is guaranteed by the support of the Center for Popular Culture and Music (ZPKM) in Freiburg. This is the only one of its kind in Germany and plays a leading role in research on popular music. Prof. Dr. Dr. Michael Fischer emphasized the importance of the ZPKM in its function as a research institute.

In order to shed light on the influence of dance and entertainment orchestras on the German-speaking music landscape, an interdisciplinary conference entitled “Non Stop Dancing to Melodies for Millions” will take place as part of the handover. This conference deals with topics relating to the development and influence of dance and entertainment orchestras in Germany from the post-war period to the present. According to reports, representatives from research and practice, as well as contemporary witnesses and members of current ensembles such as the SWR Big Band and the Rundfunk-Tanzorchester Ehrenfeld, will take part in the lectures. The conference will also address the music of icons such as James Last, Willy Berking and Theo Schumann, whose influence on the media can still be felt today uni-freiburg.de explained.