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Echoes of Weimar (June 21)

Echoes of Weimar

Echoes of Weimar © Opera Dolce

21.05.2025 - Article

Songs and arias in the original German by Richard Strauss, Berg, Weill, Eisler and Max Brand from the Weimar Republic Era.

The Weimar Era that followed Germany’s defeat in WWI was incredibly tumultuous and dynamic. Governmental and economic collapse produced Germany’s first constitutional republic as well as political extremism and violence. Social progress was made amidst rising antisemitism. A strong socialist movement competed with the growing appeal of authoritarianism.

The end of censorship during the Weimar Era led to great artistic flourishing and innovation. Some composers writing in these years were greatly influenced by late German Romanticism. Some were inspired by traditional German folk melodies or by Jewish Klezmer music. And some, disillusioned with the past, broke completely with tradition.

Many composers, creating what Hitler called “degenerate music,” fled Germany when the Nazis came to power. Some found success in Hollywood or elsewhere. Others found it difficult or impossible to recover their artistic momentum. And, tragically, many were not able to escape to safety. Tonight’s concert offers a sampling of and pays tribute to their vast and varied bodies of work.

Date and Time: Saturday, June 21 at 8 pm

Location: The National Opera Center, 330 7th Ave 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001

More Information: https://www.operadolce.org/

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