Song in the NS Resistance Movement

Since the 1960s (Ernst Klusen. 1969. Das Liedgut der in der NS-Zeit verbotenen Jugendorganisationen. ad marginem 13) a particular research focus has been established at the institutes’ studies of "Musical folk culture in both dictatorships of 20th century Germany":  the project "Song in the NS resistance movement". Taking into account written sources (diaries, witness accounts, questionnaires) and oral interviews with contemporary witnesses, as well as legal and Gestapo files, this project analyzes the multilayered functions of song as  spiritual weapons of political and ideological resistance against National Socialism.
The main foci are singing practices of outlawed but secretly organized youth groups and religious groups, political groups and military resistance groups as well as critical individuals. Furthermore singing activities in concentration camps are examined as performances countering anarchy and chaos.
Beyond that, songs are valuable documents about everyday life during the NS regime. Songs, song parodies and newly texted song versions served as a tool to express discontent, protest and resistance the population; they also served as codes to recognize like-minded dissidents. Such manifestations of opposition were suspiciously observed by the state authorities, were brutally suppressed or ruthlessly persecuted. They often served as "proof" and incriminating evidences during juridical processes.