Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

The Third Reich

Donald Macleod introduces music written by Strauss during the Third Reich and looks at the repercussions of his close association with the Nazi regime.

Soon after Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, he wasted no time in setting up the Reich's Culture Chamber, of which Strauss was invited to take on the role of president of the music section. Strauss believed he could improve the country's musical affairs through his official position but his close association with the Nazi regime would ultimately prove to be both a blessing and a curse. When Strauss wrote an ill-advised letter to his new librettist, the Jewish writer Stefan Zweig, criticising the regime, it was intercepted by the Gestapo and Strauss was ordered to resign from his official position less than two years after taking on the role. Presented by Donald Macleod.

Das Bächlein, Op 88 No 1
Diana Damrau
Munich Philharmonic
Conductor, Christian Thielemann

Schlagobers Waltz (excerpt)
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Conductor, Neeme Järvi

Arabella (excerpt)
Arabella ..... Jane Eaglen (soprano)
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor, Zubin Mehta

Die Göttin im Putzzimmer
Danish National Radio Chamber Choir
Conductor, Stefan Parkman

Daphne (excerpt)
Daphne ..... Renée Fleming (soprano)
Apollo ..... Johan Botha (tenor)
Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra
Conductor, Semyon Bychkov.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Richard Strauss

    Das Bachlein, Op. 88 No. 1

    Singer: Diana Damrau. Orchestra: Munich Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Christian Thielemann.
    • Richard Strauss: Lieder Aus Letzte Blatter.
    • Virgin Classics.
    • 3.
  • Richard Strauss

    Schlagobers Waltz (excerpt)

    Orchestra: Detroit S O. Conductor: Neeme Järvi.
    • RICHARD STRAUSS - SUITE FROM SCHLAGOBERS.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 7.
  • Richard Strauss

    Arabella (excerpt)

    Singer: Jane Eaglen. Orchestra: Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Zubin Mehta.
    • EAGLEN MOZART STRAUSS.
    • SONY CLASSICAL.
    • 7.
  • Richard Strauss

    Die Gottin im Putzzimmer

    Choir: Danish National Radio Choir. Conductor: Stefan Parkman.
    • Strauss A Capella Works.
    • Chandos.
    • 4.
  • Richard Strauss

    Daphne (excerpt)

    Singer: Renée Fleming. Singer: Johan Botha. Orchestra: Cologne Radio Orchestra. Conductor: Semyon Bychkov.
    • Richard strauss.
    • Decca.
    • 2.

Broadcast

  • Thu 1 Mar 2018 12:00

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

Composers A to Z

Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years

Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem

What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?

A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...

The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.

Composer Help Page

Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.