Music Composers during the Nazi Regime - Essay Example

The main goal of these groups included organizing surprising and breaking out of the ghetto as well as joining partisan units that were against German rule. Although these units were full of understanding that the Germans would not be moved by their resistance, they went ahead with their plans. Part of the music composed and played by the youth was to make sure that the Germans recognized Jewish resistance in the Holocaust, and make sure that they knew that it was a widely spread affair, and took various forms. The youth organized themselves into the ghettos and concentration camps in form of orchestras, choirs, and other musical groups to give clandestine performances for their fellow residents. The Terezin ghetto, having been used by the Nazis for promoting propaganda was also referred to as a “model ghetto” and was home to most of the Jewish musicians and composers from all over Europe. Camps such as Auschwitz, Sachsenhausen, and Buchenwald planned and organized prisoner orchestras and used to give performances for officers of the SS and all the visiting dignitaries to guarantee their survival (Hirsch 102).

Differences can be drawn in the meaning of their music. While Bruckner’s music lay in the symphonic form of music based on the instrumentals, Wagner’s’ music was a form of narrative, such as operas, and used symbols and myths. Symbolism in Bruckner’s music such as the 7th adagio reveals the theme of sacredness in his compositions and religious beliefs. Contrary to Bruckner’s music, Wegner’s symbolism in his music was characterized by themes of love, hate, death, and sacrifice as well as the sacred process to salvation. His biggest quest was the search for human universals by exploiting the theme of symbolism myth through his music and words in his compositions. The interests Bruckner were in showing literature, drama, or political philosophy every time he made a composition or opted to perform his music to the people. Historically, Bruckner openly admired Wagner musically to a point of seeing him as a musical god and a hero in composition. Moreover, he saw him as a father figure throughout his entire career life due to how he opted to praise his composing abilities. Although Wegner popularly praised Bruckner’s musical works, there is no record of him having either listened to or even performed music by Bruckner. Read More