The Red Scare: WWII and its Aftermath THE RED SCARE: A Concert Series by Opera Moderne
IF YOU HAVE MADE A RESERVATION PLEASE COME 15 Min. EARLY, AS WE CANNOT HOLD SEATS.
Opera Moderne is a boutique opera company offering intimate, beautiful and unique performances. Currently located in New York City, Opera Moderne offers special events from Chamber Opera and Art Song to Jazz and Classical Ensemble Works.
If WWII was a tragic turning point in the history of the 20th century, it was doubly so for American Jews. The war had a transfiguring effect on American Jews and on their idea of themselves as Jews. The final concert in this three part series will focus on the aftermath of World War II, as seen through the works of two Jewish composers, Hanns Eisler (who finally settled in California after fleeing Nazi Germany), and Leonard Bernstein, who's popularity was greatly threatened by his left-wing activities as early as the mid-1940s. Hanns Eisler Hollywood Songbook (selections) - for baritone and piano Baritone: Kelvin Chan Leonard Bernstein Arias and Barcarolles (selections) - for mezzo, baritone, one piano / 4 hands Mezzo: Elspeth Davis Baritone: Vince Vincent Hanns Eisler: After 1933, Eisler's music and Brecht's poetry were banned by the Nazi Party. Both artists fled, first to Moscow, where The Decision was produced and staged. Eventually, Eisler and Brecht sought refuge in the United States, along with other exiles fleeing Nazi Germany. Eisler's two most notable works of the 1930s and 40s were the monumental Deutsche Sinfonie a choral symphony in eleven movements based on poems by Brecht and Ignazio Siloneand, a cycle of art songs published as the Hollywood Songbook. With lyrics by Brecht, Eduard Mörike, Friedrich Hölderlin and Goethe, it established Eisler's reputation as one of the twentieth century's great composers of German lieder. Leonard Bernstein: During the long reign of J. Edgar Hoover, Leonard Bernstein was a person of considerable interest to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Although Hoover's operatives began tracking Bernstein's left-wing activities as early as the mid-1940s, the first serious inquiry came in March 1949, when David Niles, President Truman's administrative assistant, asked the Bureau to look into the young musician's background. Niles wanted the information because Truman and Chaim Weizmann, the first President of Israel, were scheduled to attend an event at which Bernstein was slated to perform. A memo from D. M. Ladd to Hoover states that Bernstein was connected, affiliated, or in some manner associated with various organizations described as Communist fronts. DAAD sponsored event. In cooperation with the Austrian Cultural Forum.
Events at Deutsches Haus are free of charge. Please let us know which event you would like to attend by sending us an email to deutscheshaus.rsvp@nyu.edu. Space at Deutsches Haus is limited, please arrive ten minutes prior to the event. Thank you!
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