Ning Hui See, BMus (Hons) project | Royal College of Music, London
Introduction
This study looks into the complexities of music during the Third Reich, tracing the lives and works of Hartmann and Ullmann, two musicians who were active throughout the rise of the Nazis and the Second World War. The research draws upon existing literature on Nazi policies, anti-Semitism and wartime cultural life. Analysis of specific pieces of particular significance will help examine how both men were able to sustain their creative outputs despite their defiant political stance and identities. This project endeavours to highlight the complex interplay of culture, identity and circumstance, and how these relate to the role music plays in the fabric of history. Ultimately, this study attempts to illustrate a more complete picture of artistic lives during the war, and thus, fill in the gap that often exists in the discussion of 20th century music.
This study looks into the complexities of music during the Third Reich, tracing the lives and works of Hartmann and Ullmann, two musicians who were active throughout the rise of the Nazis and the Second World War. The research draws upon existing literature on Nazi policies, anti-Semitism and wartime cultural life. Analysis of specific pieces of particular significance will help examine how both men were able to sustain their creative outputs despite their defiant political stance and identities. This project endeavours to highlight the complex interplay of culture, identity and circumstance, and how these relate to the role music plays in the fabric of history. Ultimately, this study attempts to illustrate a more complete picture of artistic lives during the war, and thus, fill in the gap that often exists in the discussion of 20th century music.
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Definitions
'Third Reich' For the purposes of this discussion, the Third Reich refers to the Nazi government in power between 1933-1945, and includes countries either annexed or occupied by Germany during that period of time, thus encompassing areas such as Austria, Czechoslovakia and the Jewish ghettos. |
'Music' in the Third Reich In this study, the term 'music' refers to any musical activity (composition, performance, musicology, radio etc.) during this period of time, but does not include propaganda works. |
Background art, oil on canvas- Street, Berlin. by Ernst Kirchner, 1913 | Displayed at the Degenerate Art Exhibition in Düsseldorf, 1938
