MUSIC WARS

Music played an unprecedented role in World War II. Whether live or through the recently developed mechanical media of radio, film and gramophone records, it was used by all sides for propaganda and morale-boosting. The heightened need for music felt by millions was satisfied and exploited in a multitude of ways. The pianist Myra Hess stiffened the resolve of Londoners by launching a series of lunch time concerts at the National Gallery. The Bayreuth Festival opened its doors to war-wounded and munitions workers. In Paris on one day alone, 16 January 1944, a choice of eleven major musical events was offered to occupiers and occupied. Everywhere classical music flourished and reached new audiences.

The mightiest musical weapon of the war was Swing, an irresistible force that even the Nazis attempted to harness. Ultimately the music that most potently evokes the emotions and experiences of the war is that of the sentimental songs of loss and separation - Vera Lynn singing ‘We'll meet again', Zarah Leander singing ‘Ich weiss es wird einmal ein Wunder geschehen' and of course, the song that changed sides ‘Lili Marleen'.

Patrick Bade is a senior lecturer at Christies Education where he has worked since 1981. He also teaches regularly at the London Jewish Cultural Centre. He has published extensively on visual arts and music.

MUSIC WARS 1937-1945
Propaganda, Goetterfunken, Swing: Musik im Zweiten Weltkrieg
Deutsch von Heike Warth
[PB Laika 06/15]