Musicians and Composers of World War II

Musicians and composers during World War II

Music is loved by nearly everyone around the world; learning about composers and what they have been through can develop your understanding of music today. World War II certainly helped sculpt the face of music and of the composers of that time. The war affected German, American and French composers and musicians; causing them to write hateful music, or live with fear of writing any music at all.

While many countries in Europe were celebrating the freedom to listen to any music they wanted, the Nazi Party was taking over Germany. The music that was listened to in Germany had to be approved by the Nazis. According to Adolf Hitler good German music was that of Beethoven, Wagner and Bruckner. Out of the three composers, Richard Wagner was Hitler’s favorite. He would have his music performed at functions and rallies for the Nazi Party. Wagner’s music was loved, but even more so, his political views were very much liked by Hitler (“Nazi Approved Music”). Wagner wrote a booklet called “Das Judebthum in die Musik” translated: Judaism in Music. It talks about his feeling towards Jewish people, and how he believes that they ruin the arts to everyone in the public (“‘Degenerate’ Music”). The Nazis seemed to have lost the true meaning of music and made other lose it as well. Hans Pfitzner said that the best thing about Wagner’s music was that it was German; Gustav Mhaler responded saying, “All great artists leave their

Nichols 2 nationality behind and strive to produce a masterpiece.” Bruckner also had a great German backgroun...

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... in Vienna, which was directed by Joseph Goebbels, who was one of Hitler’s closest associates. When he got back from the festival, he wrote about how much loved the German music, which the other members of Les Six did not like. Honegger was in a position where he was confused as to what he believed, and he was in the middle of it all, which definitely affected his music (Fancourt).

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World War II caused much pain for German, American and French composers and musicians, but also made the music what it is. Although it is sad and hard to listen to, it is still beautiful art and music. Only knowing what the composers and the musicians went through, and their story, can help you understand and appreciate their music.