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Abstract

The primary objective of this thesis is to provide a comprehensive outline of the state of musical life in the two most important centres of the General Government – Kraków and Warsaw – during the Nazi occupation. This study is significant because it juxtaposes the musical cultures of both the oppressors and the oppressed, offering a nuanced comparison that sheds light on the complex dynamics of power and resistance through music. Under Nazi rule, the German authorities and community in these cities wielded significant influence over the cultural landscape, imposing various forms of oppression on the subjugated Polish population. This research delves into how these oppressive measures were implemented and their impact on the musical life of the time. The Nazi regime did not merely seek to control political and social aspects but also aimed to dominate the cultural sphere, using music as both a tool of propaganda and a means of asserting German dominance.

The thesis explores the activities of official musical institutions that were established and operated under Nazi supervision. These institutions primarily catered to the German population, promoting music that aligned with Nazi ideologies and tastes. However, the study also investigates periods during the war when these institutions directed their offerings towards the Polish population, revealing the fluctuating policies and strategies of the occupiers. This dual focus on musical provisions for Germans and Poles highlights the contrasting experiences and the varying degrees of cultural suppression and manipulation faced by the subjugated populace. Moreover, the research extends beyond the public and institutionalised aspects of musical life to uncover the private and often clandestine practices of music-making among the Polish community. For the first time, this thesis presents a detailed examination of how music continued to thrive in more intimate settings such as cafes and private homes. Despite the harsh realities of occupation, these private gatherings became crucial sites of cultural resistance and preservation. Music in these contexts served not only as a form of solace and escape but also as a subtle act of defiance against the oppressive regime.

Through an extensive analysis of archival materials, personal memoirs, and contemporary accounts, this thesis reconstructs a vivid picture of the musical landscape during this tumultuous period. It underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of music as a form of cultural expression and resistance. The comparison between the musical cultures of the oppressors and the oppressed provides a deeper understanding of the broader social and political dynamics at play and highlights the significant role that music played in the lives of both communities during the Nazi occupation.

In sum, this research aims to fill a crucial gap in the historiography of music during World War Two, offering new insights into the multifaceted and often overlooked aspects of musical life in Kraków and Warsaw under Nazi rule. By doing so, it contributes to a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the period, emphasizing the importance of music as a cultural and historical force.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > D History (General) D History General and Old World > D History (General) > D731 World War II D History General and Old World > DD Germany M Music and Books on Music > M Music
Departments:	School of Communication & Creativity > Department of Performing Arts School of Communication & Creativity > School of Communication & Creativity Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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