Tassilo Leher
Gilbert Becaud - Concert in Berlin 1964
1964

About the Item

This photo shows the French singer Gilbert Bécaud during a concert in East Berlin in 1964. In the image, Bécaud is captured in a dramatic moment, standing on stage and reaching upwards with his right arm, his fingers forming a sharp, expressive gesture. He is dressed in a dark suit, accentuated by a white shirt cuff. His face is turned upwards, seemingly caught in an intense emotional performance. The stark contrast of his figure against the deep black background highlights the emotional energy of the moment, which was characteristic of Bécaud's passionate and dynamic stage presence. Known for his exuberant and engaging performances, Bécaud, often referred to as "Monsieur 100.000 Volts" due to his electrifying stage persona, was immensely popular in the 1960s, and this concert in East Berlin would have been a rare cultural exchange during the Cold War era. His concerts were often marked by his powerful voice and the high emotional intensity of his performances, which captivated audiences across the world. The print is new, Highest Quality on Hahnemühle FineArt Baryta. More sizes up to 150x150 cm available on request. About Tassilo Leher: Born in the dark years of World War II, Tassilo Leher became an icon of photographic art in divided Germany. As the son of war correspondent Karl Leher, whose lens captured moments of contemporary history, he was born in 1940 in the heart of Berlin. He shared not only the studio in the picturesque Prenzlauer Berg with his father, but also the mysterious world of the darkroom. While Karl Leher, an early riser, made use of the morning hours, Tassilo found his creative flow only by midday, often working late into the night. His camera knew no bounds: from the dazzling stars of East German show business like Phudys, Karat, Hildegard Kneef, Manfred Krug, Bubi Scholz, to international greats such as Dean Reed, Karel Gott, Jiri Korn, and Costa Cordalis – all found themselves in front of his lens. The Friedrichstadt-Palast and numerous film sets became his stages, where he played with light and shadow to perfectly frame famous faces for album covers and movie posters. His crowning achievement came in 1963, when he accompanied Louis Armstrong on his memorable tour of East Germany, a moment that showcased his top-level reporting skills. Yet, Tassilo Leher was more than a mere chronicler of fame. As a member of a jury that evaluated visual art on East German television, he became known as the “Lambi of Photography” of the 1970s, a title that honored his expertise and dedication to the craft. His photographic artistry gained international recognition in 1966, when he received the silver medal at a press festival in the Soviet Union, an award presented by the International Organization of Journalists. His work was not just art but a reflection of the times – a time when the walls of Europe served as both barriers and stages for culture and history. In his home, he hosted not only stars like Frank Schöbel and Anne Mehner but also creative minds such as Wolfgang Brandenstein, a pioneer of German television entertainment, and what began as photography sessions evolved into long-lasting friendships. Another highlight of his career was his journey to Leningrad, today’s St. Petersburg, where he spent nights in the halls of the Hermitage photographing album covers for the East German record label Eterna. His images captured not just moments but also emotions and the essence of music itself. Tassilo Leher: A name synonymous with perfection, the art of capturing light, and the passion for bringing history to life through the lens. His legacy lives on in every photograph he created and in the hearts of those who experienced his art.

Creator:

Tassilo Leher (1940 - 2023, German)

Creation Year:

1964

Dimensions:

Height: 39.38 in (100 cm)Width: 27.56 in (70 cm)Depth: 0.02 in (0.5 mm)

Medium:

Photographic Paper

Movement & Style:

Modern

Period:

1960-1969

Condition:

Gallery Location:

Cologne, DE

Reference Number:

Seller: Modern Print Bild Nr 028326871stDibs: LU132215137682

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Born in the dark years of World War II, Tassilo Leher became an icon of photographic art in divided Germany. As the son of war correspondent Karl Leher, whose lens captured moments of contemporary history, he was born in 1940 in the heart of Berlin. He shared not only the studio in the picturesque Prenzlauer Berg with his father, but also the mysterious world of the darkroom. While Karl Leher, an early riser, made use of the morning hours, Tassilo found his creative flow only by midday, often working late into the night. His camera knew no bounds: from the dazzling stars of East German show business like Phudys, Karat, Hildegard Kneef, Manfred Krug, Bubi Scholz, to international greats such as Dean Reed, Karel Gott, Jiri Korn, and Costa Cordalis – all found themselves in front of his lens. The Friedrichstadt-Palast and numerous film sets became his stages, where he played with light and shadow to perfectly frame famous faces for album covers and movie posters. His crowning achievement came in 1963, when he accompanied Louis Armstrong on his memorable tour of East Germany, a moment that showcased his top-level reporting skills. Yet, Tassilo Leher was more than a mere chronicler of fame. As a member of a jury that evaluated visual art on East German television, he became known as the “Lambi of Photography” of the 1970s, a title that honored his expertise and dedication to the craft. His photographic artistry gained international recognition in 1966, when he received the silver medal at a press festival in the Soviet Union, an award presented by the International Organization of Journalists. His work was not just art but a reflection of the times – a time when the walls of Europe served as both barriers and stages for culture and history. In his home, he hosted not only stars like Frank Schöbel and Anne Mehner but also creative minds such as Wolfgang Brandenstein, a pioneer of German television entertainment, and what began as photography sessions evolved into long-lasting friendships. Another highlight of his career was his journey to Leningrad, today’s St. Petersburg, where he spent nights in the halls of the Hermitage photographing album covers for the East German record label Eterna. His images captured not just moments but also emotions and the essence of music itself. Tassilo Leher: A name synonymous with perfection, the art of capturing light, and the passion for bringing history to life through the lens. His legacy lives on in every photograph he created and in the hearts of those who experienced his art. By integrating the collection of the renowned photographer Tassilo Leher into its extensive archive, United Archives strengthens its commitment to preserving and disseminating photographic heritage from Germany and beyond.

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