Paul Dessau

German composer and conductor, born 19 December 1894 in Hamburg, Germany, died 28 June 1979 in Königs Wusterhausen near Berlin, Germany, best known for collaborations with Bertolt Brecht such as Mother Courage. Banned by the Nazis he fled to Paris and eventually Hollywood. He returned to the GDR in 1948 and became very successful, composing a new National Antherm for the country and winning the National Award three times. Wrote many pieces for children which were preformed frequently in schools. He is buried next to Brecht and Eisler in Berlin.