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June 16, 1942.
Summary:
During rehearsal breaks, Susanne Hirzel’s string quartet discusses active opposition to the regime. They consider themselves true patriots, good Germans, yet want Germany to lose the war - treason. Susanne said they were unaware of (failed) resistance efforts through the years and wondered how that knowledge would have affected them.
Summer concerts become important recruiting grounds for White Rose friends. Introductions are made, prospects evaluated. Willi Graf among them.
Meanwhile, Willi Graf finds ever more solace and enjoyment in Munich’s Bach Chorale. His new group of friends in that place share his thoughts regarding their government and obligatory military service, although none is willing to work to effect the needed changes.
Wolf Jaeger, new friend to Willi Graf because of Bach Chorale, slowly moves into the White Rose circle. He remains a minor player, but critical as sounding board.
Alexander Schmorell’s friendship with Lilo Berndl nee Ramdohr deepens. Her poem about youth in Germany expresses their common passion to create art, to leave a legacy of beauty. Alex shares similar thoughts with Angelika Knoop nee Probst.
Sophie’s schoolgirl crush on Alex continues, much to his chagrin. She travels twice a week to the Schmorells’ villa to sketch while he sculpts.
Lilo relates how Alex seeks out humble places where humble people gather. He sketches blue-collar laborers, bearded Bavarians, and soaks in their stories, later relating them to her. [Her comment referencing Friedemann Bach and “gypsies, hoboes, and beggars” may sound un-PC in 2024. In 1942 it was not only Friedemann Bach’s words, but also those of the Nazi regime.]
Personal note re chapter title: I have a soft spot for Meredith Willson’s Music Man, especially the song Till There was You (song starts around the 1-minute mark). Which contains the famous phrase, “And there was music, and there were wonderful roses.” Beatles thought it was a good song too. They covered it.
Why This Matters:
Too often, we become so obsessed with our political or social or community causes, that we forget to live. I love Willi Graf’s example of overcoming his utter loneliness by fencing, joining the Bach Chorale, remaining open to new friends met at concerts. These outlets gave him the strength to persevere in the causes that mattered most to him.
Alexander Schmorell stands out among the White Rose friends. While others were noble indeed, and sacrificed their lives, Alex took time to care about the downtrodden, about those cast off by the Nazi regime. This association alone could have cost him his life, even if he’d never been involved with White Rose resistance. Our work, our strivings should not overlook those who are marginalized, regardless of the “cause” of that marginalization. Because ultimately, the “cause” is political, for political ends, for political power.
Have you written a poem or song or art about the cause you are passionate about? Share it in the comments, if you feel comfortable doing so…
White Rose History, Volume II, pages 55-58.
Notes and references available only to paid subscribers.
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