Hugo Leichtentritt Autobiography

File — Box: 33, Folder: 4-9

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

In 1940, Leichtentritt and two other fugitives from Nazi Germany were invited by a committee of Harvard professors to write of their lives and experiences under the Hitles regime. Leichtentritt did so, but he states that he did not win the prize offered because his manuscript did not record enough of the rise of Hitler and the Nazis. It was suggested, however, that he enlarge his sketch into a book which would be of interest to musicians and music lovers. Leichtentritt writes in the preface that for several years "on and off" he was busy at this task. In the book, he writes of his love for the city of Berlin, the architecture, the people, the characteristics, the culture. He describes Berlin as he knew it for thirty-eight years of his life and writes what he calls a "sort of requiem on that now dead city." Book III gives a short history of music in the United States in the 1890s.

Dates

1890s-1990s

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Some original items have been removed and placed in Reserve. Access must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the items if being used. Photocopies are available in the collection for research use.