Fritz Schaetzler


Fritz Schaetzler was a German baritone and Kammersänger. He studied under Anna Bahr-Mildenburg. From 1919 to 1922, he was engaged at the Nationaltheater München; from 1922-1947, he was engaged at the Staatsoper Stuttgart. Concealing physical disabilities, including an amputated leg and a paralyzed hand, that resulted from injuries suffered during the Second Battle of Flanders, he performed throughout Europe. Over the course of his career, he collaborated with prominent conductors and composers of the era. Roles included Wolfram, Beckmesser, Figaro, Rigoletto, Tonio.
His autobiography, "Nun Erst Recht," was published in 1943 and later adapted for the screen "Sieg des Willens" with Schaetzler portraying himself. Although of "non-aryan" heritage, and in spite of being an outspoken critic of the regime, Schaetzler survived the Nazi era through the personal intervention of Emmy Göring, a former theater colleague and wife of Hermann Göring, as well as through the tacit shielding of other high-ranking party members.
Schaetzler married and divorced Hildegard Ranczak, leading Strauss soprano, later marrying soprano Egidia Bonessi.
After World War II, Schaetzler served as baritone soloist for the American Forces Network. Over a two and a half year period, Schaetzler and Bonessi hosted their own radio program, broadcast over AFN. With the support of Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower and George S. Patton, Schaetzler emigrated to the United States. He resided in Hollywood, California, where he was active as a vocal coach for the film industry. Students included Keith Larsen, Vera Miles, Hugh O'Brian, Ruth Roman, John Saxon, and Jay Silverheels. In the early 1950s, Schaetzler became an American citizen. He died in La Habra, California.