The indomitable Jerry Wigler who played in the Philadelphia Orchestra for 60 years until his retirement in 2011, has died at 101.
He fought in the D-Day landings and took no nonsense from former Wehrmacht soldier Wolfgang Sawallisch.
Philly musicians are posting their memories online.
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“Mr. Sawallisch was drafted into the German Army in 1942 and became a radio operator in the tank division on the Italian front. He ended up as an English prisoner of war, and composed two string quartets in camp.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/25/arts/music/wolfgang-sawallisch-german-conductor-dies-at-89.html
Petros, Just because you were drafted did not mean you could not resist and this guy never did because he was a confirmed Nazi.
History is taught by the victor. As such, we could infer a swollen ego and the original agenda may get in the way. Soon we will all relearn our real world history as it should have been taught originally. In the meantime let’s assume we have the wrong understanding about WWII, beginning with the term “Nazi.” This was a made-up slang term meant to demean the National Socialist Workers Party of Germany. The definition of this term is “ignoramous” and it is the brainchild of a Jewish journalist of the mid-1930s. This information can be found in a long lost film by the title, “Europa.”
Did we find an anti-semite here?
Poor li’l nazzies, getting all demeaned!
In addition to being demeaned, they were also defeated.
“Soon we will all relearn our real world history as it should have been taught originally…”
Like… Hitler was flatulent amphetamine junkie who couldn’t get it up?
;P
Are we to infer that Sawallisch was prone to dispensing nonsense in rehearsals?
Whenever on tour in Europe after Sawallsich’s retirement as Music DIrector, a delegation of Philadelphia Orchestra orchestra paid him a visit, also after he retired from conducting altogether. If that was not a genuine sign of respect from orchestral musicians to conductor, I don’t know what is.
https://www.inquirer.com/philly/entertainment/20110908_The_beginning_of_a_beautiful_friendship.html
The above article also has a moving story about a friendship Wigler struck with a younger French musician at the liberation of Paris.
Jerry Wigler’s story was that Wolfgang Sawallisch asked him once if he might retire as he had been there for decades and maybe someone new could have an opportunity.
Jerry replied ” I advanced up the beach, under fire, on D Day and that took courage but I wouldn’t give up. You were on the other side so you needed courage as well. I won’t give up now either, so no I won’t retire!”
Next day at rehearsal Sawallisch greeted him respectfully – “Good morning Mr. Wigler I trust you are well”.
The problem was germans had to do military service.
Jehovah witnesses refused and they were slaughtered.
Being a radio operator might have meant that he didn’t have to kill. I hope so.9
In practise most infantry soldiers won’t shoot when in combat. Only about 10 percent of frontline troops actually try to kill the enemy. So it is unlikely that either of the two gentleman actually killed anyone.
One of the PO’s better periods was during Sawallisch’s tenure during which their live concerts and recordings were extremely good. Why take potshots at him in describing Wigler’s passing?
One of the nicest people with the most incredible stories in the industry. I will always cherish the long chats I had with him about so many subjects.
He was a Nazi supporter although a gifted musician. Not a surprise in Germany of that time. He made no effort to resist the powers that were although he came from a wealthy family and could have.
Wigler was also drafted (there is no excuse for “just following orders”.
so, this nice, old man dies and we’re still chasing nazis? hell is other people.
Related to Godwin’s Law. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin's_law RIP Mr. Wigler.
Except that Hitler was thrown into the conversation from the beginning, and was totally irrelevant.
Rest in pease dear Jerry. How I cherish our 60 year friendship. And what a well-lived life you have lived- always on your own terms with honesty and strength of character. Well-done my friend. You have been an inspiration and such a dear and caring friend. I will miss your laughter and wonderful tales but I treasure the memories. You will be missed by so many!
Jerry Wigler was a delightful man as well as a devoted musician. He was one of the many players in the Philadelphia Orchestra in the 1960s, when I was a very young member of the orchestra’s library staff, who spent time with me and handed down the history and traditions of that great orchestra. His memory is a blessing.
Any interesting memories you can share?