Korngold and Jewish Identity in Concert

Abstract

This chapter navigates Erich Korngold's connections to Jewishness. It also examines the role played by external factors in the political context of his career and the impact of both on his music and musical activities. It highlights in particular a little-known correspondence with musicologist Anneliese Landau, who, in 1942, asked him directly: “How is your approach to the question of a Jewish style in music?” In so doing, the chapter seeks to convey an understanding of Korngold's relationship to Jewish music and his Jewish identity with the nuance that this complex and sometimes contentious issue deserves. It is guided by four pertinent questions, on the matter of Judaism and Jewish culture, on how others regard Korngold's work as Jewish, on how Korngold regards his work as Jewish, and finally, on how the investigator regards his work as Jewish.