Friedrich Holländer was born in London
into a highly musical family. Aged 4 he and his family moved
to Berlin. He was and exceptionally talented pianist and studied
with Engelbert Humperdinck. But he wasn't exclusively attracted
to classical music. In his youth he often accompanied silent
films in one of cinemas close to his flat. He was excellent
at improvising to movies he had never seen before.
In the vibrant cabaret scene of 1920's Berlin Holländer
was an important figure, known for his skills in improvising,
composing and writing lyrics.
Marlene Dietrich insisted
on him as the pianist in 'The Blue Angel' ('Der blaue
Engel') and he ended up writing the movie's music as well.
The famous 'Ich bin von Kopf bis Fuß' is just
one of the many successful songs he wrote exclusively for
the great actress.
Being of Jewish origin he was forced to leave Germany in
1933. After a short stop in Paris, he emigrated to the United
States where he continued to compose film music. In 1955 he
returned to Germany. He lived in Munich until he died.
