beginning and end

I still remember the lesson about 8 years ago where one of my students an his parents excitedly told me about Victor Borge, a name I had never heard. 

The contrast of these 2 videos are stunning: the beginning and end of a comedian's career who obviously could play.

Victor Borge suitably played a piano tuner in his first comedy film, "Frk. Møllers Jubilæum" ("Miss Møller's anniversary"). Borge, born 1909 in Copenhagen, was then a celebrity in Denmark performing under his original name Børge Rosenbaum. In this clip, taken from a tv talk show 50 years later, Borge can be heard commenting on his film debut.

Victor Borge was originally born in Copenhagen, but fled to Sweeden once Nazis accupied Denmark during World War II. He managed to escape to the United States in 1940 on one of the last neutral ships leaving Europe. While in the U.S, Borge went on to become a famous comedian, conductor, and pianist. In this clip, he is playing a lullaby written by one of his father’s friends. Victor's testimony is featured in the Comcast: Days of Remembrance: PastFORWARD broadcast series. Video testimony from USC Shoah Foundation’s Visual History Archive.

For all his public humour, it was inspired and deeply felt musicianship coupled with a profound humanity that were at his core.