Anxiety
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Abstract
Germany’s resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare on 1 February 1917 created a domino effect in the musical world, as Walter Damrosch and other conductors rushed to assert their patriotism by adding “The Star-Spangled Banner” to their concerts. Debates about German music revolved around issues of internationalism in classical music. The management of the Metropolitan Opera gave assurances that its German singers and European repertoire would not be impacted by future political events. Ernestine Schumann-Heink, the most beloved German singer in America, suffered potentially career-ending injuries in an automobile accident. Responding to the Original Dixieland Jazz Band’s sensational popularity, the Victor Talking Machine Company recorded two numbers by the band on 26 February for later release in the spring.