Heinrich Fleischer

Heinrich Fleischer (1912-2006) was an organist from Leipzig, Germany. He fought in World War II, where one of the fingers on his left hand was completely blown off and another half of a finger was also lost. After the war, Fleischer continued to play the organ, and went on to become the organist at Valparaiso University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Minnesota. A student of Karl Straube, Max Reger's preferred performer for his works, he was a member of the late romantic school of organ playing. His many students have gone on to become great performers and teachers around the world.