Forbidden Music – The Book
“Forbidden Music: The Jewish Composers Banned by the Nazis” was published in June 2013 by Yale University Press.
Buy the book at amazon.com and amazon.ca in hardcover.
A new, revised paperback edition is coming out in June and is available for pre-order in amazon.com and amazon.co.uk .
Praise for FM:
Chosen by New York Times’ arts critics as one of their books of the year (November 29th, 2013)
“A richly detailed history of Jewish musicians.”— Kirkus
“A valuable compendium of untold stories, a corrective to standard histories of music and an essential reference point for anyone engaged in the culture and politics of the 20th century.”—Norman Lebrecht, The Wall Street Journal
“An outstandingly fine piece of work.”—Terry Teachout, Commentary
“[T]his compelling exploration of the role Jewish musicians and composers played in the cultural life of the Prussian and Austro-Hungarian Empire. . . is rich in unexpected facts and quotes. . . Its greatest virtue is the unearthing of composers, critics, conductors and musicians destined for obscurity. Haas makes a pleasingly detailed argument for honouring a treasure trove to which the development of Western music owes a considerable debt.”—Rebecca K Morrison, The Independent
“This is a big and important book…that really must be read by anyone with even a passing interest in the music of this period. One closes it with a mixture of astonishment and admiration.”—Peter Franklin, Opera Magazine.
“Haas writes with insight and intelligence, […] He describes [eloquently] the rich legacy of these tragic times.” – Daniel Snowman, History Today
“This is in essence a beautifully written history book that places the torturous advance of Austro-German anti-Semitism in a musical context” – Rob Cowan, Gramophone Magazine
“This heart-breaking book . . . is eloquently written with an almost poetic sensitivity to the subject . . . its publication is a revelation, packed as it is with an overwhelming amount of documents and facts, enriched with fascinating details about modern music from a distinctively Jewish perspective – justifiably so, as the entire musical period was significantly shaped by Jewish composers . . . Forbidden Music serves as a powerful reminder of what Austria in particular has lost in rich 20th century musical culture.”
—Matthias Wurz, The Vienna Review
“ …Forbidden Music . . . offers an essential supplement to standard histories of music in thrall to big names and vested interests. The trajectory is tortuous and tragic, the future still uncertain.”
—David Gutman, International Record Review
Dear Mr. Haas,
My name is Avi Berman. I’m a composer from Israel.
I’m composing now a Concerto for clarinet called “Wien -2. Bezirk” to be premiered later this year by the Israeli Chamber Orchestra with Ilan Schul in Clarinet.
In the piece I try to combine Music that was done here in the 2. Bezirk (until 1933) – by Jewish musicians or mixed groups cabaret or Jewish songs, and Schönberg Dudecaphonic Technik.
I wished to do this research not by internet, but by foot, and flew to Wien, where I am now.
On Schönberg childhood here I found much information and also walked between many places,
But my search after ‘jewish music’ didn’t went do productive up to now.
It seem that a lot was done without notating or recording.
I was referred to you by some researchers, and I write to you in hope you can help me find some information.
Yours,
Avi Berman
Dear Avi (if I may), I’ll send an email to you rather than go into Details here on the site. Thank you for making the contact.