Elizabeth Schwarzkopf was to opera singing what Austrian Herbert von Karajan was to orchestral conducting.

Nothing short of perfection and adherence to originality would suit her temperament and this extraordinary singer’s voice. 

Born December 9, 1915, she might easily have been lured by the medical profession.  Happily, for the world of music lovers, she took up a career in classical singing. 

Her birth and maturity coincided with the rise of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP). The party was led by anti-capitalist Adolf Hitler.  

Elizabeth was eighteen years old when, in 1933, Adolf Hitler’s chancellorship was enthusiastically endorsed by the German electorate. 

These were heady times for Germany.  Germany was to shake off the coils of the Versailles Treaty.  Soon to free itself of the tentacles of international banking, the German nation was at last unified. 

This was a pivotal moment in Europe’s fortunes. David Lloyd George, former British Prime Minister, was impressed. Upon his return following a visit to Hitler, his daughter greeted Lloyd George humorously. She said, ‘Heil Hitler!’ 

‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘Heil Hitler I too say that because he is truly a great man. 

‘I have never met a happier people than the Germans and Hitler is one of the greatest men among the distinctly great men that I have ever encountered.’

It was impossible not to be enthused by the infectiously cheerful atmosphere. 

Confidence throughout Germany replaced brooding.  Such was her enthusiasm that Elizabeth signed up for three different National Socialist organizations.

Not surprisingly, her nation’s conquerors never forgave her for her ‘heresy’. She did not wish to be forgiven.

To her death in 2006, Elizabeth Schwarzkopf was to stand by her beliefs. 

After the defeat of Germany, in order to work and eat, she was required to retract her deeply held convictions. However, Elizabeth always refused to be drawn. 

Palace journalists slavishly followed the Allied line. They had the gall to interrogate her. This was due to her enthusiastic support for all things National Socialist. 

Then these despicably scribblers had the chutzpah. They waxed indignant over her refusal to collaborate. She refused to genuflect and toe the Allied line.

Elizabeth was a student at the High School for Music. She joined the National Socialist Students League. She was hardly alone, as about half of the university students did so. 

The young student was afterwards elected to a position of Party leadership. 

When she later joined the Deutsche Oper, she was noticed and admired. Mari Ivogün and her pianist husband, Michael Raucheisen, mentored her from then on. 

Both luminaries were ardent supporters of Adolf Hitler and National Socialism.

Contrary to Allied propaganda, those involved in the theatre were not overrepresented in the National Socialist Party. 

Nor was there any requirement for them to apply for Party membership or Party endorsement. 

Their non-political stance was well understood and respected by the National Socialist German Workers Party. 

Much the same might be said of any of the Western democracies.  The ruling parties are always delighted when a much-admired performer offers their allegiance. 

Why would things be any different in Germany?  One in five theatrical world and various artistes were members of the National Socialist German Workers Party. 

In her case, her loyalty to the ideals of National Socialism was highly respected. This was true not only within the Party itself but also throughout Germany.

Due to her charitable nature, the young singer also successfully applied for membership of the National Socialist People’s Welfare Organization. 

Little is known of Elizabeth’s private life throughout those years of triumph through adversity and then to defeat.  

This most gifted of sopranos we know did contract tuberculosis during the years of war. 

When convalescing in Germany’s Tatra Mountains her constant bedside companion was a high-ranking SS officer.  

His identity has never been ascertained.  He was said to be Dr Hugo Jury, Gauleiter of Lower Austria. 

Apart from being a Waffen SS General, Doctor Jury was also a highly skilled medical doctor specializing in tuberculosis.

Elizabeth passed to the other side on August 3, 2006. She was 90 years old. She passed away at her home in Schruns, Austria. 

She had by then been awarded a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).  However, Elizabeth Schwarzkopf was never in doubt as to the value of her membership that her heart truly belonged to. EXCERPT Heroes of the Third Reich, Michael Walsh (Banned by Amazon).

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LIFE IN THE REICH Mike Walsh: FORBIDDEN HISTORY: The standard of living in Hitler’s Third Reich was unparalleled. It surpassed that of the developed world. German workers enjoyed a lifestyle comparable to that of movie stars. Germany led the world in fashion, medicine, cinema, lifestyle, manufacturing, transport infrastructure, public facilities, cutting-edge science, healthcare and education. Amazon removed Life in the Reich. The book dared to show Hitler’s Germany as it was. It did not follow what the propagandists would have us believe. A real eye-opener: https://barnesreview.org/product/life-in-the-reich-hitlers-germany-1933-1945/