Reich's Orchestra

For many decades, the history of the Berlin Philharmonic during the Third Reich was shrouded in mystery - an ethical taboo. Aster has finally broken the silence, navigating this terrible era with clarity, insight and sensitivity. The Philharmonic's experiences during its early years as a co-operative, followed by the period under Goebbels' control, were fundamental to shaping both the orchestra's musical culture and its organisational development ever since; the historic personalities and struggles are instantly familiar to the musicians today. With this book, Aster has made an important contribution to the conscience of our orchestra. -- Sir Simon Rattle * . * The first comprehensive study of how Germany's musical crown jewel sold out to Nazi patronage and suffered the machinations of self-styled culture supremo, Joseph Goebbels... Aster's book painstakingly lifts the veil. -- Jewish Chronicle * . * The Berlin Philharmonic is acknowledged as one of the world's great orchestras, but there was a big gap on its written record - from 1933 to 1945. During this period, it provided the Reich with a cultural flagship... Misha tells the story of these lost years for the first time. -- Jewish Telegraph * . * A jewel of the Nazi regime, a propaganda tool, and a microcosm of Hitler's Germany... Aster does illuminate the startling continuity pre- and post-1933. -- Scotsman * . * The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra's dark connection with Nazi Germany has always been a mystery but a new book uncovers a hidden history where the orchestra was used by the state as a propaganda tool. -- Sunday Express * . * A revelatory new book that chronicles the horribly close relationship between the most famous orchestra on the planet and the most evil regime the world has ever known. -- Richard Morrison * The Times *