Settling Scores

German Music, Denazification, and the Americans, 1945-1953

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Music, Theory & Criticism, History & Criticism, Reference, History, Germany
Cover of the book Settling Scores by David Monod, The University of North Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David Monod ISBN: 9780807876442
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press Publication: March 8, 2006
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press Language: English
Author: David Monod
ISBN: 9780807876442
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Publication: March 8, 2006
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press
Language: English

Classical music was central to German national identity in the early twentieth century. The preeminence of composers such as Bach and Beethoven and artists such as conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler and pianist Walter Gieseking was cited by the Nazis as justification for German expansionism and as evidence of Aryan superiority. In the minds of many Americans, further German aggression could be prevented only if the population's faith in its moral and cultural superiority was shattered. In Settling Scores, David Monod examines the attempted "denazification" of the German music world by the Music Control Branch of the Information Control Division of Military Government.

The occupying American forces barred from the stage and concert hall all former Nazi Party members and even anyone deemed to display an "authoritarian personality." They also imported European and American music. These actions, however, divided American officials and outraged German audiences and performers. Nonetheless, the long-term effects were greater than has been previously recognized, as German government officials regained local control and voluntarily limited their involvement in artistic life while promoting "new" (anti-Nazi) music.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Classical music was central to German national identity in the early twentieth century. The preeminence of composers such as Bach and Beethoven and artists such as conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler and pianist Walter Gieseking was cited by the Nazis as justification for German expansionism and as evidence of Aryan superiority. In the minds of many Americans, further German aggression could be prevented only if the population's faith in its moral and cultural superiority was shattered. In Settling Scores, David Monod examines the attempted "denazification" of the German music world by the Music Control Branch of the Information Control Division of Military Government.

The occupying American forces barred from the stage and concert hall all former Nazi Party members and even anyone deemed to display an "authoritarian personality." They also imported European and American music. These actions, however, divided American officials and outraged German audiences and performers. Nonetheless, the long-term effects were greater than has been previously recognized, as German government officials regained local control and voluntarily limited their involvement in artistic life while promoting "new" (anti-Nazi) music.

More books from The University of North Carolina Press

Cover of the book A Hard Country and a Lonely Place by David Monod
Cover of the book Seasons of Change by David Monod
Cover of the book Artisans of Glory by David Monod
Cover of the book The Politics of Freeing Markets in Latin America by David Monod
Cover of the book Imprisoned in a Luminous Glare by David Monod
Cover of the book Lethal State by David Monod
Cover of the book Say We Are Nations by David Monod
Cover of the book Defining Duty in the Civil War by David Monod
Cover of the book Law, Land, and Family by David Monod
Cover of the book Creating a Confederate Kentucky by David Monod
Cover of the book The Most Valuable Asset of the Reich by David Monod
Cover of the book Southern Cultures by David Monod
Cover of the book Down the Wild Cape Fear by David Monod
Cover of the book The Tuscarora War by David Monod
Cover of the book Louis Austin and the Carolina Times by David Monod
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy