Schnuckenack Reinhardt

Franz “Schnuckenack” Reinhardt was a renowned German violinist born on February 17, 1921, in Weinsheim, Germany. He is best known for his virtuoso performances of Gypsy and Roma music, which he learned from his father and other musicians in his community.

Reinhardt began his professional music career in the 1940s, playing in various orchestras in Germany. He gained recognition in the 1950s for his unique style of playing, which was a blend of jazz, classical, and folk music. He performed with his band, Schnuckenack Reinhardt Quintett, at various events and festivals across Germany.

In 1966, during a pilgrimage to Lourdes, Reinhardt met Sigfried Maeker, who was a member of his band. Maeker noticed that Reinhardt’s playing style was similar to that of Schnuckenack, a popular German folk musician. The name stuck, and from then on, Reinhardt was known as Franz “Schnuckenack” Reinhardt.

Reinhardt’s band, Schnuckenack Reinhardt Quintett, gained a loyal following in Germany and became popular for their lively performances. They released several albums and performed on various television shows. Reinhardt’s unique style of playing the violin, combined with his band’s energy and enthusiasm, made them a hit with audiences.

Reinhardt continued to perform and record music throughout his career, despite health issues. He suffered from Parkinson’s disease in his later years but continued to play the violin until his death on April 15, 2006, in Baden-Baden, Germany.

In addition to his music career, Reinhardt was a family man. He was married and had two daughters. His daughter, Babette, followed in his footsteps and became a violinist herself.

Awards

Deutscher Schallplattenpreis (German Recording prize)

1996 Peter Cornelius Medal of the Rhineland-Palatinate[10]

Discography

Musik deutscher Zigeuner – Schnuckenack Reinhardt Quintett, Vol. 1 (Da Camera Song, LP, released February 1969, recorded 23/24/25 November 1968)

Musik deutscher Zigeuner – Schnuckenack Reinhardt Quintett, Vol. 2 (Da Camera Song, LP, released November 1969, recorded 10/11 June 1969)

Musik deutscher Zigeuner – Schnuckenack Reinhardt Quintett, Vol. 3 (Da Camera Song, LP, released September 1970, recorded 13/14 May 1970; live recording at Heidelberg and Ludwigsburg)

Musik deutscher Zigeuner – Schnuckenack Reinhardt Quintett, Vol. 4 (Da Camera Song, LP, released April 1972, recorded 29/30 November 1971)

Musik deutscher Zigeuner – Schnuckenack Reinhardt Quintett, Vol. 6

Musik deutscher Zigeuner – Schnuckenack Reinhardt Quintett, Vol. 8

Musik deutscher Zigeuner – Schnuckenack Reinhardt – Das neue Quintett, (RBM-Musikproduktion, LP, released ca. 1973)

Schnuckenack Reinhardt Quintet – 15. März 1973 (LP, 1973)

Schnuckenack Reinhardt Quintet – Swing Session (LP Intercord, 1975)

Schnuckenack Reinhardt – Starportrait (Intercord, 2xLP, 1975; also CD, 1989)

Musik deutscher Zigeuner, Vol. 1–8 (8-CD set, 1996)