Jakob Geis
Bavarian folk singer
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Biography
Jakob Geis, stage name Papa Geis (27 December 1840, in Munich – 3 March 1908, in Munich) was a Munich performer, folksinger, and musical director. He was considered a master of Bavarian cuplés. The dramatist and director Jacob Geis was his grandchild.
Originally he wanted to become a Catholic priest. But at the age of 26, he broke off his theological studies and started a stage career as a comedian in Vienna. He wore only black clothes, a bit like a Catholic priest. Often he was greeted therefore as a Father. His stage name Papa Geis means Daddy Geis.
In 1878 he started his own musical and comedian group, named Gesellschaft Geis. His cuplés reflect a piece of cultural history of Munich.
Discography
- CD "Rare Schellacks - München: Volkssänger", by Trikont (Best.Nr. US 0199), including the "Bachstelzenlied" from Papa Geis.
1902 Papa Geis recorded five couplés by "Gramophone Co.":
- G&T 42 230 (mx. 594) Kalauer-Couplet (music: Julius Einödshofer)
- G&T 42 231 (mx. 596) Daradl-Dadl (text: Krakauer)
- G&T 42 232 (mx. 593) Travestie über das "Bachstelzenlied" (Tit-willow) (music: W.S.Gilbert)
- G&T 42 233 (mx. 592) Couplet mit Opern-Refrain
- G&T 42 234 (mx. 594) Durchs Schlüsselloch (text: Verney)
Selected bibliography
- Jakob Geis: Selbstbiographie. Typoskript München 1905.