Henschiens Trio

Trio formed in 1928 by Harald Henschien. Popular on both records and radio broadcasts. Made well over hundred gramophone recordings, both on their own as well as with refrain vocalists, including Jens Book-Jenssen's recording debut in 1934. The original lineup included, in addition to Henschien himself, Trygve Olai Johannessen (1894-1939) on violin, and Gunnar Søberg (1903-1954) on piano. Often filling in for Johannessen in the beginning was Eilert Fuglesang (1915-2009), although he quit after a couple years to focus on his studies. Violinist Karl Andreas Kristiansen (1892-1974) was used as a replacement during a tour in the mid-1930s. When Johannessen passed away, violinist Jacob Scharff (1908-1942) took his place as a member of the trio. Scharff was jewish, and during the nazi occupation of Norway he and most of his family were deported to Auschwitz. Upon arrival, the children and female members of the family were taken directly to the gas chambers. The adult male members died some time during December 1942-January 1943. Scharff's arrest and deportation also marked the end of the trio. The trio's regular vocalist and compere was Leif Berg (1900-1955). Often a guest performer with the trio was Henschien's protege, the accordion prodigy Erik Tronrud (1919-1966), aka "Lille Erik".