Hugo Distler and the renewal movement in Nazi Germany / by Todd Jere Harper

The primary purpose of this dissertation is to provide a detailed account of the accomplishments of Hugo Distler as an organist, composer and conductor in the Protestant Church and to examine the impact of the Renewal Movement in Nazi Germany. This study will include: a brief biographical sketch of Distler's life and works; an examination of the Renewal Movement and the place of music in German society; an historical look at National Socialism in Germany and its effect on the arts; and finally a select comparative analysis of Distler's Choralpassion, op. 7 and the Heinrich Schütz's St. Matthew Passion (SWV 479) to demonstrate his influence on Distler's music.