Norbert Schultze (1911–2002) was a prolific German composer best known for his work during the Nazi regime, particularly the composition of the song "Lili Marleen," which became an iconic anthem of World War II across both Allied and Axis lines. Born in Braunschweig, Schultze received his musical education at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt and the Academy of Music in Munich. Initially, he worked as a conductor and composer at various theaters while experimenting with different genres, ranging from art songs to operettas.

Schultze's career, however, became inextricably linked with the political climate of his time. During the 1930s and 1940s, he became a member of the Nazi party, and his work during this period included composing music for propaganda films and contributing to the musical landscape of the regime. Despite the controversial context of his rise to fame, his compositions, especially "Lili Marleen," outlived the period and continued to be associated with the war's cultural memory. After WWII, Schultze faced a period of denazification, yet managed to resume his career, producing a broad range of works including film music, operas, and musicals. The legacy of Norbert Schultze is a complex one, balancing his artistic contributions against the backdrop of his involvement with the Nazi regime. Recent releases of his work, including "Schultze: Three Overtures (Digitally Remastered)" and "Norbert Schultze - Lili Marleen (Variationen) [Piano Cover]," continue to expose new generations to his compositions, reaffirming both the timeless qualities and historical significance of his music.

Genres

Classical

Opera

Art Song

Operetta

Latest Release

Schultze: Three Overtures (Digitally Remastered)

Norbert Schultze•

Latvian Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra•

Riga Radio Choir•

Ilmar Lapinsch

Single - Released February 17, 2015