Music in Nazi Germany – The maestro and the cellist of Auschwitz

(2022–)

documentary Music in Nazi Germany - The maestro and the cellist of Auschwitz delves into the complex relationship between music and the Nazi regime. Through the experiences of Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, a Jewish cellist who survived Auschwitz, and Wilhelm Furtwängler, a renowned conductor who collaborated with the Nazis, viewers gain a deeper understanding of how classical music was utilized as a propaganda tool by Hitler and Goebbels.

The film highlights the contrasting stories of Lasker-Wallfisch and Furtwängler, shedding light on the moral dilemmas faced by artists during this dark period in history. Lasker-Wallfisch's harrowing account of survival and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity is juxtaposed with Furtwängler's controversial decisions to continue conducting under the Nazi regime.

Through interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, Music in Nazi Germany - The maestro and the cellist of Auschwitz offers a thought-provoking examination of the power of music in propaganda, as well as the ethical challenges faced by artists under oppressive regimes. This documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of music in times of tyranny and the resilience of the human spirit.