Nestler, Theo (1868-1932) Germany

Theo Nestler was born in Reichenbrand in 1868, a modern part of Chemnitz, into the family of the glove maker Moritz Nestler. He expressed his love for music at an early age and was already sitting at the organ of his home church at the age of six. In addition to his job as a businessman, he was the owner of a shop for the purchase and sale of pianos, grands and harmoniums, he worked as a music teacher. In 1900 he took over the management of the “Männergesangverein Reichenbrand” from his father. He led this choir, the "Nestler Doppelquartett" and the "Bäckergesangverein Saxonia" until the end of his life.
He penned over 100 male choir sets, among which the title "Zieh mit!" was published in the songbook of the German Singers Association and became famous throughout Germany. He set his own lyrics to music in many of his home, love and wandering songs.
Theo Nestler died in Chemnitz in 1932. Today Nestlerstraße and his tomb, maintained by the Reichenbrand Heimatverein, remember the musician at Reichenbrand cemetery.
 
Source: Issues 2 and 6 „Beiträge zur Heimatgeschichte“ (Contributions to local history) Ed. Heimatverein Reichenbrand e.V.