To relieve my stress over the war, I busted out the Glorious 9th Symphony by Ludwig Van Beethoven on my way to work this morning. My CD of the 9th is conducted by Wilhelm Furtwängler.
Though the 9th may be overplayed, it is by far the greatest symphony ever, in my humble opinion. When I hear classical music, I some how try to imagine what the composer was thinking. In the 9th, I can some how really feel the composer's anger, power, yet a resolution. The 9th has one of the most dramatic beginning. Yet with all that power and force, the 9th goes to a peaceful harmonious resolution and it ends with a glorious tribute to God. There are so many great recordings of the 9th. But there is a story behind why I bought Furtwängler's recording instead of others such as Toscanini, Burnstein or Karajan. Which are I am sure all great recordings. But I bought Furtwängler's CD because of sad story that went along with this great recording. And let me tell you, it is an awesome recording. Apparently Furtwängler was the head conductor of Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra during the Nazi Regime. Along with Herbert Von Karajan, Furtwängler was the pride of German Nazi Party. But he was labeled a traitor by the Nazi party for helping the Jews during Hitler's regime. So the world saw him as a Nazi and the Nazis saw him as a traitor. Furtwängler's last performance in Germany during the nazi era is Legendary. He conducted Bruckner's 9th but no one showed up because Nazis considered him a traitor. Only person in attendance was a lone recording engineer who claims that it was the most amazing performance ever. It was recorded.
After the whole mess was over(WW2), he was shunned by music world. He came to New York to conduct the 9th symphony. Some Jews found out and bought every ticket. Basically they bought every ticket and burned them. No one showed up but one reporter. he performed the Beethoven's 9th for one reporter. After another performance in an empty theater, he fell into depression. After that he got a pneumonia. Doctors were sure that he would recover. But he told his wife that he wished to die. His final wish was granted..... He died. After I read that story I bought his 9th on CD. It was a good investment.
I wonder how I would have reacted in his shoe.... Furtwängler was ruined by his country and by war. I hope that this war can eventually lead to peace.