Education
He studied under Anna Bahr-Mildenburg.
He studied under Anna Bahr-Mildenburg.
From 1919 to 1922, he was engaged at the Nationaltheater München. From 1922-1947, he was engaged at the Staatsoper Stuttgart. Concealing physical disabilities, including an amputated leg and a paralyzed hand, that resulted from injuries suffered during the Second Battle of Flanders, he performed throughout Europe (Prague, Bordeaux, Oslo et al).
Over the course of his career, he collaborated with prominent conductors and composers of the era (Hans Knappersbusch, Clemens Krauss, Bruno Walter, Wilhelm Furtwaengler, Richard Strauss, Hans Pfitzner, Carl Orff et al).
Roles included Wolfram, Beckmesser, Figaro, Rigoletto, Tonio. His autobiography, "Nun Erst Recht," was published in 1943 (Deutscher Verlag, Berlin) and later adapted for the screen "Sieg des Willens" (Berlin, circa 1944/45) with Schaetzler portraying himself.
Over a two and a half year period, Schaetzler and Bonessi hosted and performed on their own radio program, broadcast over AFN. He resided in Hollywood, California, where he was active as a vocal coach for the film industry. Students included Keith Larsen, Vera Miles, Hugh O"Brian, Ruth Roman, John Saxon, and Jay Silverheels.
In the early 1950s, Schaetzler became an American citizen.
He died in Louisiana Habra, California.