Imagine a Mainz street musician serenading passersby. That was Geigerfränzje. This statue commemorates Franz Josef Schneider. People knew him as Geigerfränzje. He lived from 1893 to 1962. He was a true Mainz original.
After World War II, Geigerfränzje earned his living playing the violin. He brought joy to people in a bleak time. Even when people had little they gave him something. “Ich geig’ damit dess anners wird!” he would say. This means “I’m fiddling so things will change”.
Before his musical days, Schneider worked as a metalworker. He lived in simple conditions. He resided in a trench after the war. Later, he moved to a small shack. He then dedicated himself to music.
The Mombacher Carneval Verein honored Geigerfränzje. They created a tribute for Mainz’s 2000-year celebration in 1962. During their carnival sessions, a figure of Geigerfränzje was unveiled. He would then play his violin with passion.
After 1993, Geigerfränzje’s violin disappeared. It resurfaced after some searching. It was with a niece in Karlsruhe. For Geigerfränzje’s 111th birthday, it was given to Klaus G. Koop. Koop portrays Geigerfränzje in Mainz’s Carnival since 1995.
Mainz honored Mombach’s incorporation with a Geigerfränzje monument. It was unveiled in 2008. The statue is bronze not iron. Iron would have better reflected his life.
Wolfgang Balzer featured Geigerfränzje in his book. The book is titled Mainz: Personalities of City History. It highlights unique Mainz figures.
So, remember Geigerfränzje. He played music so things would change. His statue reminds us of his joyful spirit. It ensures his music lives on in Mainz.