There was an orchestra in Auschwtiz - made up of female prisoners and led by another prisoner, niece of a famous conductor and composer. There were other prisoner orchestras in other areas of the Reich, but this has become the most famous.
This orchestra played for roll call - every day, in all kinds of weather. It also played for arriving trains, and during the sorting of those who would die immediately and those who would most likely be worked to death. The music lulled the arriving transports, either giving them a false sense of security or soothing their shattered senses with familiar strains of music.
This film is a documentary - a series of interviews and filmed episodes - of the surviving members of the Auschwitz orchestra. They tell their stories, and their memories of performances, and tell of their horror at being used by the Nazis.
It is a poignant portrait of a very special group of survivors.
This orchestra played for roll call - every day, in all kinds of weather. It also played for arriving trains, and during the sorting of those who would die immediately and those who would most likely be worked to death. The music lulled the arriving transports, either giving them a false sense of security or soothing their shattered senses with familiar strains of music.
This film is a documentary - a series of interviews and filmed episodes - of the surviving members of the Auschwitz orchestra. They tell their stories, and their memories of performances, and tell of their horror at being used by the Nazis.
It is a poignant portrait of a very special group of survivors.
