Russian classical music in the Third Reich

Discussions on the music in the Third Reich. Hosted by Ivan Ž.
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Cory C
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Russian classical music in the Third Reich

#1

Post by Cory C » 21 Mar 2005, 08:53

[Topic renamed by the host, Ivan Ž.]

What was the fate of music by Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Rachmaninov, etc. during the III Reich? Was the music of Russian composers banned? Were any members of the party secret admirers of Russian classical music?

Cordially,
Cory

Heinrich George
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#2

Post by Heinrich George » 23 Mar 2005, 20:54

About 15 years ago DG issued a six disc set of Karajan's early recordings. The Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 is from April 1939, indicating that there wasn't a ban even before the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact in August of that year. After the pact, presumably any Russian music was permissible. However, a ban may have gone into effect after June 22, 1941.

Once a country was under German domination the Nazi's apparently had no objection to playing that nation's composers. The Moldau in the Karajan set is from 1941. The Dvorak New World is from 1940.


Cory C
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#3

Post by Cory C » 28 Mar 2005, 03:31

Thank you, Heinrich. Very interesting information. If anyone else has anything to add, please do. Thank you again.


Cordially,
Cory

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