‘My mother was a friend of Mahler’s’
mainAlice Herz-Sommer, who died yesterday at the age of 110, was a reluctant ‘survivor’. Although journalists mostly wanted to talk about her experiences in Nazi concentration camps, Alice was full of joie de vivre – and rich memories – to the last.
Here’s an interview the formidable musician gave to Martin Anderson.
And a video she finished making only last year.
What an inspired well-lived Life Alice Herz-Sommer! The truly greats always know from whence their GIFTS come. Bravissimo!
Ten inspirational and heart-warming minutes that make one view music and life differently. Thank you for this documentary and rest in well- deserved peace, Alice. We shall always remember your words and your smile.
That documentary (the full version) is Oscar-nominated in the Documentary Short category this year and has a very good chance of winning.
Alice Herz-Sommer was the epitome of the power of music. Music enabled her to endure the deepest suffering imaginable, and spread love and joy to all who came into contact with her. What better example could there be for the power of music to transform lives for the better?