This presentation given by Neil Peacock at the Histerix Symposium 2009 looks at the role classical music can play in the teaching of various sections of our curriculum. Appropriate selections for American, contemporary, totalitariansim etc are identified.

6. music and ideology: totalitarianism

7. “ … only one thing can redeem you (Jews) from the burden of your curse: the redemption of Ahasverus - total destruction” RICHARD WAGNER: German composer in the 19 th Century According to National Socialism there were THREE master composers that represented good Germanic music: Ludwig van Beethoven Richard Wagner Anton Bruckner Beethoven – possessing “ heroic German spirit” Wagner – virulent Anti-Semite – Hitler’s favourite composer! Bruckner – genuine love of the “great German Fatherland”

9. “ The Valkyries” – note the Viking/Nordic influences! Alberich – anti-Semitic features “ Alberich, the greedy merchant Jew, who becomes the power-crazed goblin-demon lusting after Aryan maidens” (Richard Wagner)

10. “ degenerate” music in third reich

11. The words “JEWISH” “DEGENERATE” and “BOLSHEVIK” were commonly used to describe any art or music not acceptable to the Third Reich. Reich Music Chamber (Reichsmusikkammer) required a registry of all German musicians. Music of composers such as Mendelssohn, Schoenberg and Mahler were banned from being played or performed. Jazz was also considered as degenerate as its origins were traced back to Afro-American roots. Examples: Gustav Mahler – 1 st Movement from Symphony No.6 – listen to the rhythm - Nazi jackboot march! – prophetic vision from a composer who died in 1911!

15. Krzysztof Penderecki – “Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima” Listen to the dissonances produced – sounds of shriking and breaking of glass – not pleasant to listen to but it does present a very effective sound picture. John Adams – “Nixon in China” and “Satyagraha” – Operas that deal with topical historical issues. John Adams – “On the Transmigration of Souls” – September 11 attacks