The Early Days of Weimar Broadcasts
Given that Weimar Republic is often associated with the avant-garde, touting a "modern mass culture, and a broad, well-developed workers' cultural movement," [1] such innovations were especially evident in the radio broadcasts during this period. The early years of radio broadcasts in Weimar Germany, however, held little appeal for large sectors of the public.
As station directors and programmers belonged to the ranks of the elite bourgeoisie [2], the cultural programs they broadcasted on the airwaves were directly influenced by their upper class backgrounds. The radio, regarded as a government-controlled monopoly, served to reinforce the ideals of culture and refinement in order to civilize the vulgar lower classes. In direct contrast stood the technological medium of film, which catered to the public's interests; in this mode of entertainment, themes such as sex and crime ran rampant in the industry. Fearful of the consequences of promoting such vulgar ideals, the radio sought to elevate the masses.
Yet such programs only alienated large sectors of the public, who considered such broadcasts condescending; they demanded more popular fare that they could relate to and actually enjoy. Much of the cultural programs consisted of adapting literary/dramatic pieces and merely reciting them on the airwaves; yet such a form of entertainment proved to be unsuccessful. It was incredibly disconcerting for the public to listen to a "disembodied voice" [3] versus actually seeing the source of the sound, along with the actor's expression and gestures.
As station directors and programmers belonged to the ranks of the elite bourgeoisie [2], the cultural programs they broadcasted on the airwaves were directly influenced by their upper class backgrounds. The radio, regarded as a government-controlled monopoly, served to reinforce the ideals of culture and refinement in order to civilize the vulgar lower classes. In direct contrast stood the technological medium of film, which catered to the public's interests; in this mode of entertainment, themes such as sex and crime ran rampant in the industry. Fearful of the consequences of promoting such vulgar ideals, the radio sought to elevate the masses.
Yet such programs only alienated large sectors of the public, who considered such broadcasts condescending; they demanded more popular fare that they could relate to and actually enjoy. Much of the cultural programs consisted of adapting literary/dramatic pieces and merely reciting them on the airwaves; yet such a form of entertainment proved to be unsuccessful. It was incredibly disconcerting for the public to listen to a "disembodied voice" [3] versus actually seeing the source of the sound, along with the actor's expression and gestures.
A Culture of Experimentation
So what was to be done to create "high" forms of entertainment that would be enjoyable to listeners while also retaining a sense of refinement and culture that both classes in society could appreciate? Literary works were adapted to accommodate the technological medium of the radio. Other forms of entertainment came in the form of radio performances. One such example was Alfred Braun, a famous director and actor, who was the "best-known figure in Weimar broadcasting, since his voice was ubiquitous." [4] His performances were characterized by his "sound sets" (Geräuschkulisse), or "acoustic sets" (akustische Kulisse), comprised of a variety of audio effects and music used to evoke particular actions, settings, etc.
Such performances led to the advent of the radio play, or the Hörspiel, which strove to successfully paint an "acoustic picture" of the setting. Original radio plays were specifically written "for this purely acoustic medium [of the radio]," [5] which signified an innovative way of combining the constraints of technology with an art form. Unfortunately, despite the culture of experimentation encouraged by combining radio and art, only a few notable artistic successes came from this experiment. Radio plays were severely constrained by the limitations of the technological medium.
Such performances led to the advent of the radio play, or the Hörspiel, which strove to successfully paint an "acoustic picture" of the setting. Original radio plays were specifically written "for this purely acoustic medium [of the radio]," [5] which signified an innovative way of combining the constraints of technology with an art form. Unfortunately, despite the culture of experimentation encouraged by combining radio and art, only a few notable artistic successes came from this experiment. Radio plays were severely constrained by the limitations of the technological medium.
Sources
[1] Von Saldern, Adelheid. "Volk and Heimat Culture in Radio Broadcasting during the Period of Transition from Weimar to Nazi Germany." The Journal of Modern History, 76, no. 2, 2004. 312.
[2] Jelavich, Peter. Berlin Alexanderplatz: Radio, Film, and the Death of Weimar Culture. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2006.
[3] Ibid, 77.
[4] Ibid, 78.
[5] Ibid, 62.
Photo Credits
(1-2) The Virtual Radio Art Museum of Germany: http://dokufunk.org/virtual_museum/radio_arts/index.php?CID=1005&ID=1021&PHPSESSID=3f16f8494e65d15486354205eab53049
(3) Courtesy of German Federal Archives. See: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_102-06801,_Berlin,_Rundfunkansager_Alfred_Braun_Detail.jpg
[1] Von Saldern, Adelheid. "Volk and Heimat Culture in Radio Broadcasting during the Period of Transition from Weimar to Nazi Germany." The Journal of Modern History, 76, no. 2, 2004. 312.
[2] Jelavich, Peter. Berlin Alexanderplatz: Radio, Film, and the Death of Weimar Culture. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2006.
[3] Ibid, 77.
[4] Ibid, 78.
[5] Ibid, 62.
Photo Credits
(1-2) The Virtual Radio Art Museum of Germany: http://dokufunk.org/virtual_museum/radio_arts/index.php?CID=1005&ID=1021&PHPSESSID=3f16f8494e65d15486354205eab53049
(3) Courtesy of German Federal Archives. See: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_102-06801,_Berlin,_Rundfunkansager_Alfred_Braun_Detail.jpg