This is the WBZ book Club. I'm Jordan Rich. A book from twenty
nineteen called Dangerous Melodies. Classical Music in America from the Great War through the
Cold War is written by Jonathan Rosenberg, and it looks at the connection between
classical music of the twentieth century and world politics right through the end of the
Cold War. As the author points out, classical music of this era had
political and ideological meaning, helping people in this country decide quote what was worth
fighting for and why. But there was a major clash of viewpoints. Those
who believe that certain composers and conductors posed a threat to this country and should
be banned. They faced off again. They faced off against the universalists,
who contended that music transcended politics and could speak to the hopes and dreams of
all humanity. The infighting in the classical music world was most intense during the
First World War, where Americans thought of all Germans, including composers and conductors,
as dangerous and demonic. Dangerous Melodies Classical Music in America from the Great
War through the Cold War by Jonathan Rosenberg, The book Club WBZ, Boston's news radio