Language:
French
Year of publication:
2010
Titel der Quelle:
Témoigner; entre histoire et mémoire
Angaben zur Quelle:
108 (2010) 49-62
Keywords:
Daëron, Michel.
;
Auschwitz (Concentration camp)
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945), in music
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945), in motion pictures
Abstract:
Discusses conflicting memories and their integration in "La Chaconne d'Auschwitz" (1999), a documentary by Michel Daëron, on the women's orchestra in Auschwitz. The orchestra, which consisted of Jews and some Poles, played at the entrance to the camp, accompanying leaving and returning commandos. It also gave a regular Sunday concert for the deportees and played on the SS's demand to help the Germans relax after selections. The 12 surviving orchestra members, interviewed in the film, disagree in particular on whether or not they played during selections, to deceive the Jews concerning their fate in the gas chambers. Most of the musicians remember that they played once during a selection, namely that of the Hungarian Jews brought to Auschwitz in summer 1944, but they disapprove of the emphasis this fact is given in the film. The women feel betrayed and dispossessed of their testimony. Combe, who worked as the historical consultant for the film, argues that its director gave balanced attention to the various voices. However, Combe also recognizes the validity of each limited viewpoint.
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