During World War II, Alexander was a member of the Luftwaffenhelfer and the Reichsarbeitsdienst before being drafted into the navy. In 1945, he was captured by the British and held as a prisoner-of-war.
After the war he attended Vienna's Max Reinhardt Seminary for actors until 1948 and started a career as actor. He starred in several musical comedies, including among others Liebe, Tanz und 1000 Schlager and Peter schießt den Vogel ab. Later he starred in the famous Count Bobby movies and the Luemmel-series. In the 1970s, Peter Alexander started a second career as a TV host and entertainer. He is a talented imitator of voices and people, including Queen Elizabeth II.
He married Hilde Haagen in 1952, and they had two children, Susanne Alexander Neumayer (born in 1958), an artist, and Michael (born in 1963). Since the death of his wife Hilde in 2003, he has lived in his house in Vienna in the 19th district, completely retired from the public.
Peter Alexander died on February 12th 2011 in Vienna.
Leise rieselt der Schnee
Peter Alexander Lyrics
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still und starr ruht der See,
Weihnachtlich glänzet der Wald,
freue dich Christkind kommt bald.
In den Herzen ist's warm,
still schweigt Kummer und Harm,
Sorge des Lebens verheilt,
freue dich Christkind kommt bald.
Chor der Engel erwacht,
hört nur wie lieblich es schneit,
freue dich Christkind kommt bald,
freue dich Christkind kommt bald.
Translated as "Quietly falls the snow, still and stiff rests the lake, the forest glitters with Christmas, rejoice Christ Child is coming soon. In the hearts it's warm, sorrow and harm are silenced, worries of life are healed, rejoice Christ Child is coming soon. Soon it is holy night, choir of angels awakens, listen to how lovely it snows, rejoice Christ Child is coming soon, rejoice Christ Child is coming soon."
The song "Leise rieselt der Schnee" is a classic German Christmas carol that has been translated into multiple languages. With its sweet and gentle melody, it's no wonder it's a favorite during the holiday season. The lyrics speak of the peace and warmth that Christmas brings amidst the cold and harsh winter landscape. The snow is falling quietly, the lake is frozen in stillness, and the forest is glistening with the magic of the holiday. All the struggles and worries of life are hushed, as people anticipate the coming of the Christ Child.
The second verse speaks of the imminent arrival of the Christ Child. The choir of angels will sing on holy night, and the snow will continue to fall softly. The anticipation and excitement build until finally, the Christ Child arrives, bringing joy and hope to all in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Leise rieselt der Schnee
Snow falls gently
still und starr ruht der See
The lake is still and frozen
Weihnachtlich glänzet der Wald
The forest shines with a Christmas glow
freue dich Christkind kommt bald
Be happy, Christ Child is coming soon
In den Herzen ist's warm
Warmth resides in our hearts
still schweigt Kummer und Harm
Grief and trouble remain silent
Sorge des Lebens verheilt
Worries of life are healed
freue dich Christkind kommt bald
Be happy, Christ Child is coming soon
Bald ist heilige Nacht
Soon it will be holy night
Chor der Engel erwacht
The choir of angels awaken
hört nur wie lieblich es schneit
Listen to how sweetly it snows
freue dich Christkind kommt bald
Be happy, Christ Child is coming soon
freue dich Christkind kommt bald
Be happy, Christ Child is coming soon
Writer(s): Hans-Joachim Horn-Bernges, Michael Rick, Arn Schluermann, Eduard Ebel
Contributed by Charlie K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.