Settling Scores

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

By: David Monod

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Paperback | 1 November 2016

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Paperback
344 Pages

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23.5 x 14.0 x 1.9

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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.

Industry Reviews

"This insightful book is clearly organized and elegantly written. . . . Engaging, authoritative . . . poised to become required reading for all historians and musicologists interested in cultural rebirth amidst the postwar ruins of occupied Germany."
--"American Studies"
"This important book has provided a framework and a methodology that will help to guide others."
-- "European History Quarterly"
"Monod thoughtfully addresses the seemingly contradictory situation of overall policy failure with grassroots success and unexpected levels of Americanization and democratization. Overall, the book is written with genuine understanding of the place of music in German society, and adds a useful cultural dimension to the current body of literature of postwar Germany."
-- "CHOICE"
"Offers a long-awaited analysis of the American Military Government's precarious navigation in the music world. . . . Highly readable and engaging history."
-- "Central European History"

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