Dancing with devils: Carl Orff and National Socialism revisited

Abstract

Orff’s work, particularly Carmina Burana and the Schulwerk, has been popular for many decades. But since Orff established himself as a successful composer and educator during the Third Reich, there has always been the issue of his relation to National Socialism. Historical research has so far presented an unclear picture, oscillating between seeing him as a supporter or a resistance fighter. Most recent research offers much more complex perspectives. The purpose of this article is to utilize the most recently published German research to revise the notion the international music education community has of Orff’s connection with National Socialism.