Heinrich Fleischer

Heinrich Fleischer (1912–2006) was an organist and pedagogue from Leipzig, Germany. A student of Karl Straube, Max Reger's preferred performer for his works, Fleischer was a member of the late romantic school of organ playing. Many of his students have become great performers and teachers worldwide. Fleischer graduated from the Leipzig Conservatory in 1934. For organists, this was the best school in Germany. Karl Straube had him come back to be an instructor three years later. At the age of 25, Fleischer was the youngest professor at the Conservatory. Combining teaching and his own studies saw him being awarded a doctorate at the University of Leipzig. Despite his position, Fleischer was called up for service in the German army. He avoided combat in World War II by shooting off one finger on his left hand and another half finger. After the war, Fleischer re-taught himself to play the organ with his remaining fingers. He was one of those instrumental in reestablishing the organ program in postwar DDR. Several years later Heinrich departed to the United States for a position as organist and professor at Valparaiso University. Subsequently he was at the University of Chicago, and then at the University of Minnesota. While still a professor at the University of Minnesota, Fleischer took on the role of organist at The First Unitarian Society in Minneapolis. He stated that he was probably the only Unitarian, Marxist organist in the Twin Cities who was also a direct descendant of Martin Luther.