The Regensburg Ceremony - June 6, 1937


The Walhalla Temple in Regensburg

The installation of a bust of Anton Bruckner at the Walhalla Temple in Regensburg, Germany on June 6, 1937 was orchestrated into a media event by the Nazi's that helped to solidify the appropriation of Bruckner's music into the National Socialist cultural program.

It was a major initiative which helped Hitler link to his Austrian heritage and paved the way for the annexation of Austria in 1938.

The National Socialists fully understood the power of culture to help project a political and nationalistic ideology. Today, it seems incredible that the life and music of Anton Bruckner could be used in such a powerful and provocative way.

Below are photos and documents associated with that event.

A Nazi propaganda film featuring the Regensburg event

Short video of the ceremony

Photos from the Regensburg ceremony

Speech by Joseph Goebbels at Regensburg upon the installation of Bruckner’s bust at Walhalla – June 6, 1937

Regensburg Bruckner Fest 1937

Vincenz Goller's Festival Prelude in memoriam A. Bruckner