„Gendere die Welt, sie braucht es“

What does gender sound like—and how political are our notions of it?

Hanns Eisler’s music explores social conflicts, solidarity, and the possibility of changing the status quo. But what roles do women and men play in it? How are motherhood, masculinity, and sexuality portrayed musically? And where do emancipatory ideals and traditional gender roles come into conflict?

“Gender the World, It Needs It” explores these questions from various perspectives. Drawing on *The Ballad on Paragraph 218*, *Four Lullabies for Working-Class Mothers*, and *The Mother*, the essays examine how closely gender, social class, and political agency are intertwined in the works of Eisler and Bertolt Brecht. Additional studies shed light on portrayals of masculinity in marching and battle music.

Particular emphasis is placed on the portrayal of homosexuality and the use of homophobic stereotypes in antifascist propaganda. Using the example of the “March into the Third Reich” and Ernst Busch’s interpretation, this volume examines how the homosexuality of SA Chief of Staff Ernst Röhm became a target of political attack. The juxtaposition of Röhm—portrayed as “effeminate”—and Hitler’s exaggerated masculinity raises questions about the sexual norms and gender roles that also shaped musical resistance to National Socialism.

The focus also turns to the women who supported Eisler’s artistic work. Among them is Lou Eisler-Fischer, whose work as an editor, proofreader, and advisor offers insights into his writing process. Other articles explore how voice and interpretation convey gender stereotypes and what role music plays in the portrayal of women and men in film.

The seventh volume of the series, edited by Peter Schweinhardt and Diego Alonso, Eisler-Studien combines musical analyses with historical research, biographical studies, and reflections on performance practice. It offers a perspective on Eisler that has received little attention to date, while also highlighting how music engages with, questions, or reinforces societal role models.

A scholarly anthology for anyone interested in exploring the work of Hanns Eisler and Bertolt Brecht, as well as the relationships between music, gender, and politics, in greater depth.

Featuring articles in German and English, musical examples, and illustrations.

The book will be released on November 15 and is already available for pre-order.