Theo Mackeben, born on January 5, 1897, in Preußisch Stargard, Westpreußen, was a prominent German pianist, conductor, and composer known for his significant contributions to film music. He studied violin and piano at the Hochschule für Musik Köln from 1916 to 1920 and took lessons from Jules de Westheim. During the 1920s, Mackeben worked as a café and radio pianist in Berlin, performing at venues such as the Café Größenwahn and the Hotel Esplanade.

In 1928, he conducted the first performance of "Dreigroschenoper" at the Theater am Schiffbauerdamm. Mackeben was also involved in arranging music for operettas, notably adapting Millöcker's "Gräfin Dubarry" for a 1931 production titled "Die Dubarry," which included his original song "Ich schenk mein Herz nur dir allein."

Throughout the 1930s, Mackeben composed music for stage plays and over 50 films, collaborating with directors like Max Ophüls, Gustaf Gründgens, and Willy Forst. After World War II, he continued his musical endeavors, composing a piano concerto and a "Sinfonische Ballade" for cello and orchestra. He also served as the musical director of the Berlin Metropol-Theater for two seasons.

Mackeben's recordings as a conductor span from the late 1920s to the 1930s, featuring works from "Die Dreigroschenoper" and various operatic and orchestral pieces. His compositions include several operettas and numerous film scores, contributing significantly to the musical landscape of his time. Theo Mackeben passed away on January 10, 1953, in Berlin.