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. |
Third Reich Tribute
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Hitler Speeches supported by Wagner's
- The Ride of the Valkyrie |
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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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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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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O Du Schoner Westerwald
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Erica, The SS and the Warsaw Ghetto
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