Sebastian "Wastl" Fanderl (June 24, 1915 in Bergen (Chiemgau); April 25, 1991 in Frasdorf) was a German musician, folk song collector, and mediator.
Fanderl learned his father's trade as a barber and spa hygienist. This was followed by military service with the mountain infantry, the war period (including as a base sergeant at the mountain training base on the Eppzirler Alm), and a prisoner of war camp. In 1945, he married Elisabeth Mayer (1922–1999), a forester's daughter and home economics teacher from Leogang. In 1963, the Fanderl family moved from Bergen, where they ran a stationery store, to Frasdorf.
Fanderl's folk music career began in 1927, when he first met Kiem Pauli, played the zither for him, and was inspired by him to collect songs. Wastl Fanderl played in various ensembles, including "Die Vier vom Gamsstadl," the "Wastl-Fanderl-Quartett," and the "Stelzenberger Hausmusik." His first recordings for Bavarian Radio were made as early as 1931. Wastl Fanderl became a sought-after speaker at singing lessons, singing weeks, and singers' gatherings. He produced over 100 radio and television programs. His Bavarian Radio television series "Baierisches Bilder- und Notenbüchl" is considered a classic documentary on folk music. On July 14, 1938, he applied for membership in the Nazi Party and was admitted on April 1, 1939 (membership number 7,052,451). He published songbooks and was the first folk music curator of the Upper Bavaria district from 1973 to 1981. He is buried in the Frasdorf cemetery.
