Darius Milhaud's 'Scaramouche' suite, originally for two pianos, became popular in various arrangements, including one for legendary jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman.
Composition History
Erwin Schulhoff's 'Hot-Sonate' was commissioned by Funk-Stunde A. G. Berlin, the first German radio station, in 1930, specifically for the new medium of radio.
Composer Biography
Paul Hindemith, a composer on this album, was branded an 'atonal noise-maker' by Nazi Propaganda Minister Goebbels and his music was removed from programs.
Composer Biography
Paul Ben-Haim, originally Paul Frankenburger, emigrated to Palestine in 1933 to escape Nazi Germany and changed his surname, becoming a renowned composer there.
Historical Context
The album features music by composers whose works were deemed 'degenerate' by the Nazis, including the avant-garde and jazz-influenced styles.
Instruments
The saxophone, invented by Adolphe Sax in 1840, was a symbol of jazz and even featured on a Nazi poster advertising their 'Degenerate Music' exhibition in 1938.
Album & Artwork
The album title, 'Bittersweet', refers to the music being created 'in the shadow of the Third Reich'.
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