Horst Wessel
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Just like the Allies - Nazi Germany
also had its 'Warsongs'! Hitler in particular was a devout fan of Richard Wagner's music. But many other Pop songs and military marching music were used as propaganda tools to galvanise the spirit of the SS and the ordinary German fighting men and women, and of course the German public. |
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Third Reich Tribute
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Hitler Speeches supported by Wagner's
- The Ride of the Valkyrie |
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Under Hitler's Nazi regime, all music
produced had to be regarded as within certain standards to be deemed "good" German music. Many artists were suppressed if their work did not fit these standards. However some musicians were permitted limited artistic freedom. In this manner the Nazis attempted to balance censorship and creativity in music and thereby keep the German people relatively happy. Hitler and Goebbels (his cultural and propaganda minister) deemed three master composers to be representative of good German music. These were Ludwig van Beethoven, Richard Wagner, and Anton Bruckner. All three lived prior to the 20th century. Hitler greatly admired Wagner but also Beethoven who believed that "strength is the morality of the man who stands out from the rest." Hitler identified with this belief and regarded it as a truly heroic German spirit. |
Beethoven's - Symphony No. 9
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From 1933, onwards, German 'popular' music, as with classical music and all other
forms of culture, was subject to 'Nazification' from January 1933 on. The policy of
‘Gleichschaltung’ (coordination) meant music had to conform to Nazi ideals. Hence
some composers and artists were tolerated and some even elevated to a status of pure
Nazism, while others, frequently Jewish, were shunned and effectively censored.
forms of culture, was subject to 'Nazification' from January 1933 on. The policy of
‘Gleichschaltung’ (coordination) meant music had to conform to Nazi ideals. Hence
some composers and artists were tolerated and some even elevated to a status of pure
Nazism, while others, frequently Jewish, were shunned and effectively censored.
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'Pop' music also played
a great part in German life including during the war years. Many songs played the same role for the German military as did the Allies 'Warsongs'. |
German Lili Marleen
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One song in particular was Lili Marleen which was loved on both side of the trenches.
Popular music was heavily controlled by the state. Jazz music was banned as it was
considered to be ‘black music’ with origins from the US south. The Nazis considered
Jazz to be 'degenerate' as it was associated with Black Americans. Goebbels also tried
to ban ‘Lili Marleen’ but had to relent when German soldiers throughout Europe
requested that it be played on Reich-controlled radio stations. But along with Jazz
much other popular music was banned, including 'swing', though some bands
heroically tried to defy the bans in Berlin.
Popular music was heavily controlled by the state. Jazz music was banned as it was
considered to be ‘black music’ with origins from the US south. The Nazis considered
Jazz to be 'degenerate' as it was associated with Black Americans. Goebbels also tried
to ban ‘Lili Marleen’ but had to relent when German soldiers throughout Europe
requested that it be played on Reich-controlled radio stations. But along with Jazz
much other popular music was banned, including 'swing', though some bands
heroically tried to defy the bans in Berlin.
Nazi Berlin - Swing Tanzen Verboten - Lambeth Waltz
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Marcha Erica - Waffen SS
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German pop songs regarded as acceptable however played a massive role in encouraging, inspiring and entertaining the German military such as Westerwald and Erica. |
Westerwald
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Erica itself became particularly notorious as it as a favourite of the Waffen SS, who
reportedly sung it as they marched into the Warsaw Ghetto to put down the uprising
and slaughter all who stood in their path. See bottom of page for film version.
reportedly sung it as they marched into the Warsaw Ghetto to put down the uprising
and slaughter all who stood in their path. See bottom of page for film version.
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Listen to another favourite - Lisa Lisa Soldatenlieder der Wehrmacht - Lisa Lisa
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Listen to more popular Nazi Germany War Songs
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SS Song - SS Marschiert in Feindesland
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Medley of Best Wehrmacht Songs
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Helenenmarsch
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And they even had their own 'militarised' marching songs. But They Still Lost The War!! |
Panzerlied Battle Version
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Return to WW2 Songs
See below for a full colour version of Westerwald and the song 'Erica' as sung by the SS
as they marched into the Warsaw Ghetto to later carry out their brutal war crimes.
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O Du Schoner Westerwald
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Erica, The SS and the Warsaw Ghetto
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Go To Warsongs 
War Songs
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Go To Korean War 
Korean War
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Go To Experience RM 
Experience RM
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Go To RM Lay Out 
RM Layout
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