Lübeck and Mannheim (1911–20)

A rapid ascent to musical prominence in Germany, marked by Wilhelm Furtwängler's transition from assistant conductor to leading musical director within thirteen years, occurred amidst significant political turmoil. This study highlights the intersection of artistic evolution and societal change during a pivotal period in German history, spanning World War I and the Weimar Republic. Furtwängler's tenure as chief conductor in Lübeck (1911–1915) was shaped by the cultural ethos of the patrician Bürgertum, which also inspired Thomas Mann's novel 'Buddenbrooks.' The research employs a retrospective analysis to explore how historical context influenced Furtwängler's career trajectory and the enduring legacy of Lübeck's medieval atmosphere in modern German culture.

(Ed.). (2018). Lübeck and Mannheim (1911–20). Wilhelm Furtwängler, 54–86. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781787442245.008