Memoria [EN] No. 14 (11/2018) | Page 52

GIVING VOICE TO A FOXTROT FROM AUSCHWITZ

University of Michigan School of Music

While conducting research at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum last summer, music theory professor Patricia Hall became interested in a manuscript arranged and performed by prisoners in the Auschwitz I men's orchestra.

Heartbreakingly titled 'The Most Beautiful Time of Life,' the piece is a foxtrot that was likely performed as dance music for the Auschwitz SS garrison.

Thanks to The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance this music will be returned to the world. Below you can see a fragment of one of original manuscripts from the Collection of the Memorial and to the right you can see a film documenting the project.