Watch Music Under The Nazis

Music Under The Nazis is a historical documentary that sheds light on the role of music during the Nazi regime in Germany. The show follows the lives of two prominent figures in the world of music, Carl Orff and Gottfried Wagner, and how they navigated the political and cultural landscape of 1930s Germany.

Carl Orff is best known for his work, Carmina Burana, which was widely popular both in Germany and abroad. However, his association with the Nazi party during the reign of Hitler has tarnished his legacy, and Music Under The Nazis attempts to uncover the truth about his involvement.

Gottfried Wagner, on the other hand, is the great-grandson of Richard Wagner, the legendary composer who enjoyed great support from the Nazi party. However, Gottfried's father, Wieland Wagner, was a prominent anti-Nazi figure who tried to distance himself from the family's legacy during the war.

The show explores how these two men, who came from different backgrounds, coped with the challenges of living and working under the Nazi regime. It also examines the effect that the Nazi's racial policies had on music, both in terms of composition and performance.

Music was an integral part of the Nazis' vision of a utopian society, with Hitler himself considering music to be the finest art form. However, the party had strict guidelines for what constituted 'acceptable' music, with anything considered too modern or too 'jazzy' being banned.

The documentary features interviews with historians and musicologists who offer insights into the various factors that shaped the music industry in 1930s Germany. It also includes rare footage and recordings of orchestras and choirs performing music that was deemed 'acceptable' by the Nazi party.

One of the highlights of the show is the exploration of the famed Bayreuth Festival, an annual music festival that was started by Richard Wagner himself. Despite his Nazi affiliation, the festival continued to operate during the war, with performances by some of the most famous musicians and conductors of the time.

Music Under The Nazis raises important questions about the relationship between politics and art. Is it possible to separate an artist's work from their politics? Is it acceptable to enjoy music that was created in a period of great oppression and suffering?

The show does not offer easy answers to these questions, but it provides the historical context necessary to understand the complexities of the music industry during the Nazi regime. It also highlights the bravery of those who spoke out against the party, even at great personal risk.

Overall, Music Under The Nazis is a thought-provoking documentary that offers a fascinating insight into a dark period of musical history. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of politics, culture and art.