Frankfurt honors jazz legend Albert Mangelsdorff with a spectacular program

Frankfurt honors jazz legend Albert Mangelsdorff with a spectacular program

The legacy of one of Germany's greatest jazz musicians is being honored in Frankfurt. Albert Mangelsdorff, who died on July 25, 2005, will be honored with a series of events to mark the 20th anniversary of his death. Under the title “The Eternal Turn On” a variety of events will take place between July 5th and November 30th, 2025 that underline the cultural importance of the Frankfurt jazz trombonist. Ina Hartwig, head of the cultural department, emphasizes that Mangelsdorff was and remains a central identifying figure in the Frankfurt jazz scene, and is recognized not only in his hometown, but also internationally. This tribute is supported by more than ten project partners, such as the Institute for Urban History, the Dialogue Museum and the Hessischer Rundfunk, who are working together to create an exciting homage.

Numerous highlights are on the program. The HR Jazz Ensemble will perform in the Palmengarten on July 24th. A special project by the Frankfurt jazz scholarship holder, inspired by Mangelsdorff, will also be presented on October 26th at the Museum of Applied Arts. In order to provide an overview of the events, the formats planned include “playing_albert”, a mixture of jazz and new music styles, and “walking_albert”, in which participants follow the artist's footsteps in Frankfurt on foot. The opening event to commemorate the event will take place on July 5th with trombonist Nils Wogram on Nidda Island. The complete program is available at jazz-frankfurt.de.

A legacy that lasts

Albert Mangelsdorff, born on September 5, 1928, was not only an outstanding musician, but also a pioneer of the European jazz movement. He received musical influences at an early age, grew up in a musical environment and began his career in 1947 as a rhythm guitarist. He later turned to the trombone and took over the musical direction of the hr jazz ensemble in 1957. He achieved his international breakthrough, among other things, through invitations to the Newport Jazz Festival, which he entered in the late 1950s.

His influence on the jazz scene is undeniable. Mangelsdorff was considered an innovator in the technique of polyphonic playing on the trombone and was the first jazz musician to give full-length solo concerts on a wind instrument. His commercial successes – he recorded over 100 records and CDs – also reflect his talent. He was also voted the best jazz trombonist in a poll by the jazz magazine Down Beat in 1980.

A look at the future

However, the appreciation of Mangelsdorff goes beyond mere memories. The city of Frankfurt plans to use his artistic legacy for a jazz archive, which will not only support the reconstruction of the jazz scene in Germany after World War II, but also benefit future generations of musicians. Mirjam Sprau from the Institute for Urban History emphasized how valuable the presentation of Mangelsdorff's estate will be for Frankfurt's cultural landscape.

Albert Mangelsdorff not only left his music behind, but is also kept alive through events such as “The Eternal Turn On”. Those who are enthusiastic about jazz not only have the opportunity to learn about his works, but also to retrace his footsteps in Frankfurt. This uniquely designed program offers a deep insight into the life and career of one of the greatest jazz musicians Frankfurt has ever produced. There is great anticipation for the upcoming events, and the city of Frankfurt is proving once again that it honors and nurtures its musical roots.

Further information about Albert Mangelsdorff and the event program can be found at hessenschau.de and on frankfurt.de.