Composing in Hell

Composing in Hellcomposers and musicians continue to create, living through unimaginable horrors? Was it an act of defiance, a means of continuity in a world gone mad, or a desperation to survive by clinging to familiar patterns? Composing in Hell interprets biographical material, records, and observations in order to reveal motivations. For some, it was a creative endeavor, while for other composers it was an encounter with aspects of Jewish identity. The relevance

composers and musicians continue to create, living through unimaginable horrors? Was it an act of defiance, a means of continuity in a world gone mad, or a desperation to survive by clinging to familiar patterns? Composing in Hell interprets biographical material, records, and observations in order to reveal motivations. For some, it was a creative endeavor, while for other composers it was an encounter with aspects of Jewish identity. The relevance of this experience compels us to ask similar questions regarding survival, identity, and meaning. Through their examples, explore how suffering and art combine towards resistance and resilience.


About the Author
Laurence Kutler received his Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Literature from New York University and has taught at the University of California in San Diego, Kent State University, and Old Dominion University. He has published The Terezin Diary of Gonda Redlich with Saul Friedman, available through Kentucky University Press. He is an endurance athlete and amateur pianist. The father of two and grandfather of three.