For english i’m writing a research paper and my topic is music and musicians in concentration camps. i need a thesis that comebody can argue against. So far i have that music in the camps provided hope and helped the prisoners survive, but i don’t know if anybody can argue against that…?
Capitalize English.
In most camps, any expression of joy or hope was crushed ruthlessly. Songs were included. If you were singing, the Nazis thought we were insolent or worse – praying. In some rare exceptions, a musician might be allowed to play "German" works for the Kommandant and such, but never for him/herself.
One exception was in Theresienstadt. They were a "show" camp until they were liquidated into Auschwitz. One of the more famous pieces from this camp was "Brundibar", and opera written for children by a Czech Jew, and performed in the camp for visitors. The also had a chamber ensemble and a full orchestra. The Red Cross and many foreign diplomats came for these shows, and bought the idea that Uncle Adolph was taking good care of us. The chilling and sad part is that those who performed had no such delusions, and knew what awaited them.
I suggest you start your research in this area.
August 25th, 2010 at 9:43 am
Capitalize English.
In most camps, any expression of joy or hope was crushed ruthlessly. Songs were included. If you were singing, the Nazis thought we were insolent or worse – praying. In some rare exceptions, a musician might be allowed to play "German" works for the Kommandant and such, but never for him/herself.
One exception was in Theresienstadt. They were a "show" camp until they were liquidated into Auschwitz. One of the more famous pieces from this camp was "Brundibar", and opera written for children by a Czech Jew, and performed in the camp for visitors. The also had a chamber ensemble and a full orchestra. The Red Cross and many foreign diplomats came for these shows, and bought the idea that Uncle Adolph was taking good care of us. The chilling and sad part is that those who performed had no such delusions, and knew what awaited them.
I suggest you start your research in this area.
References :
Retired English teacher and student of Czech Jewery. Child of survivors.