Sounds of Apocalypse

An analysis of sources on music in occupied Poland confirms that access to music, proportionate to racial status, was used to divide the population and facilitate implementation of the Third Reich's objectives. While Nazi songs and propaganda dehumanized prospective victims, clandestine music restored dignity and fostered resistance.

This investigation of Polish, Jewish, and German sources demonstrates the roles of music in occupied Poland. Its former citizens had their access to music controlled by the Nazi Ministry of Propaganda. It was rationed as other goods, depending on racial (i.e. also legal) status. Official music performances served as a propagandistic tool to further divide the Nazi-segregated population. Music played clandestinely embodied resistance. It restored the sense of community and helped save musicians persecuted as Jews, like Wadysaw Szpilman. The documents analyzed in the monograph confirm the dehumanization of prospective victims, mixed with a narcissistic self-righteous view of Nazi songs and propaganda ultimately led to the organized presence of music in the Holocaust sites.

Autorentext

Katarzyna Naliwajek, PhD, works at the Institute of Musicology, University of Warsaw, Poland. She has focused her research on music during the Nazi-Soviet occupation of Poland, Polish music in the 20th century, and connections between music and politics.

Inhalt

Nazi pseudo-musicology - Occupied Poland - Holocaust - Music in Occupied Poland - Nazi propaganda - music as resistance