“Music and sport are my life.” That was the motto of Michael Tryanowski. Here we are at the Michael Tryanowski Statue. It stands as a tribute to a man who filled Rostock with music.
Michael Tryanowski, born in 1919, became a beloved street musician. Most locals affectionately called him Spielmannopa. This translates to “the musical grandpa.” They did not know his real name.
Tryanowski’s life took him through hardship and acclaim. He lost his mother at age four. His Russian stepfather gifted him his first instrument. It was a simple accordion. During World War II, he was forced into labor. The war’s end saved him from a concentration camp.
From 1950 to 1953, Tryanowski studied at the Schwerin Conservatory. He focused on folk music. There, he mastered the accordion, flute, saxophone, and drums. For years, he played at weddings and with dance bands. He even toured with Circus Probst. As a street musician, he performed in many cities. These included Hamburg, Berlin, and Lubeck. Later in life, he played mostly in Rostock. You could find him at University Square or in Warnemunde. He always had his accordion and Teufelsgeige which translates to “devil’s violin.”
But music wasn’t his only talent. In the 1950s, Michael Tryanowski was a weightlifting champion. He won the state title three times. Despite his fame, Tryanowski claimed to be stateless.
This bronze statue was unveiled in 2020. Sculptor Wolfgang Friedrich created it. It stands near the Fountain of Joy on University Square. This was one of Tryanowski’s favorite spots. Another bronze statue of Michael Tryanowski, also by Wolfgang Friedrich, was erected in 2014 in the shopping center “Rostocker Hof.” It is smaller with only 32 cm.
On his 95th birthday, he entered Rostock’s Golden Book. He did this together with the Rapper Marteria. Tryanowski also appeared in Marteria’s music video. The song was “Mein Rostock.”
Michael Tryanowski died in 2018. He left behind a legacy of music and joy. This Michael Tryanowski Statue ensures his memory lives on. It reminds us of the Spielmannopa who charmed Rostock. His music may be silent now but his spirit remains alive.