Cornelius Schnauber, German-American historian, playwright, and academic (b. 1939)

Remembering Professor Cornelius Schnauber: A Life Dedicated to Scholarship and Reconciliation

Born near Dresden, Germany, on April 18, 1939, and passing away on February 21, 2014, Professor Cornelius Schnauber was a formidable intellect whose life journey spanned continents and disciplines. A celebrated German-born scholar, historian, playwright, biographer, and educator, Professor Schnauber left an indelible mark, particularly through his long tenure at the University of Southern California (USC) where he was an Emeritus Associate Professor of German at the time of his passing. His extensive work illuminated complex historical narratives, fostered profound cultural understanding, and championed reconciliation, earning him recognition as one of Germany's most decorated citizens residing in the United States.

Early Life, Education, and Historical Context

Cornelius Schnauber's formative years in Germany were deeply shaped by the turbulent pre- and post-war landscape. He pursued his higher education at the University of Hamburg, earning his doctorate in 1968 after rigorous studies in German literature, phonetics, and political science. During this period, from 1963 to 1968, he also served as an instructor in the University's Phonetics Institute. A candid reflection on a 2004 PBS "Life and Times" television program revealed a significant personal detail: his father had been an early member of the Nazi party, holding positions within Nazi unions and later the Nazi Red Cross during the war. While Schnauber noted his father wasn't ambitious for leadership, his involvement and subsequent dismissal of questions about the fate of Jews as merely "deportation to another country" provided a poignant backdrop to young Cornelius's understanding of history and human morality. This familial context, undoubtedly, played a role in shaping his later dedication to fostering understanding and healing.

An Academic Pillar at USC and Beyond

Following his academic pursuits in Germany, Schnauber embarked on a new chapter, moving to Los Angeles with his American wife, Judith Docter, whom he met while she was from Stanford. The couple established roots in California, raising a son, Tom Schnauber (now a renowned composer and music professor), and a daughter, Christina Linhardt (a celebrated concert singer and performing artist). In Los Angeles, Professor Schnauber quickly became an integral part of the academic community at USC. He began as an Assistant Professor of German in 1968, achieving the rank of Associate Professor by 1972. His leadership qualities were soon recognized, leading to his appointment as Chairman of the Department of German from 1975 to 1984. A testament to his vision and commitment to cultural exchange, in September 1984, he founded the Max Kade Institute for Austrian-German-Swiss Studies at USC, serving as its founding director and establishing a crucial hub for Germanic scholarship.

A Champion of German-Jewish Reconciliation

Perhaps one of Professor Schnauber's most profound and enduring contributions was his tireless work in bridging divides. He co-founded the impactful German-Jewish dialogue alongside Morris Kagan. For over two decades, this initiative brought together post-World War II generation Germans and Jews, fostering vital conversations aimed at reconciliation and healing. This pioneering effort underscored his commitment to addressing historical traumas and building new bridges of understanding. The Jewish Journal aptly described him as "a leader in fostering German-Jewish relations," a role he embraced with conviction and compassion, helping to mend wounds and create a path forward.

Diverse Contributions to Arts and Literature

Beyond his academic and diplomatic endeavors, Professor Schnauber was also deeply immersed in the arts. From 1992 onwards, he lent his expertise as the German diction coach of the Los Angeles Opera, a role that allowed him to enhance performers' understanding of the intricate relationship between text and music in German operatic works. As an author, his intellectual curiosity knew no bounds, resulting in an impressively diverse body of work. His publications ranged from incisive analyses of Hitler's Germany, such as Wie Hitler sprach und schrieb, Zur Psychologie der faschistischen Rhetorik (How Hitler Spoke and Wrote. The Psychology of Fascist Rhetoric), to philosophical explorations like Pragmatischer Humanismus, Thesen Analysen Konsequenzen (Pragmatic Humanism, Theses, Analyses, Consequences). He also delved into literary criticism with works like Deine Träume - Mein Gedicht. Eugen Gomringer und die konkrete Poesie (Your Dreams—My Poem: Eugen Gomringer and the Concrete Poetry), and offered unique insights into European artists in Hollywood through Spaziergänge durch das Hollywood der Emigranten (Hollywood Haven, Home and Haunts of the European Emigres and Exiles in Los Angeles). His biographical contributions included studies of film director Fritz Lang, who was a close friend, and opera legend Plácido Domingo. Professor Schnauber also showcased his talents as a playwright, crafting a number of plays including one exploring Richard Wagner's final days and his relationships, and Irma and Emma, a 2006 debut delving into the shifting memories of two elderly women in a nursing home.

Distinguished Honors and Lasting Legacy

Professor Cornelius Schnauber's remarkable career was marked by numerous prestigious accolades from both Austria and his native Germany, solidifying his standing as one of Germany's most decorated citizens living in the United States. His honors included the Distinction of Honor in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria (1979), The Federal Republic of Germany Friendship Award (1983), The Cross of the Order of Merit for the Federal Republic of Germany (1986), and the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, awarded by the President of Germany in 2002. Further recognition came in 2003 with the "Resolution Cornelius Schnauber" from the Los Angeles City Council, commending his invaluable contributions to understanding Los Angeles's cultural heritage and the enduring friendship between Berlin and Los Angeles. His autobiography, Von Dresden bis Hollywood. Erinnerungen, Reflexionen und Begegnungen aus zwei Welten erzählt einer Freundin in 7 Vigilien (ISBN 3000302395), published by Progress Media in March 2010, serves as a poignant personal reflection on a life richly lived across two worlds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Professor Cornelius Schnauber

Who was Professor Cornelius Schnauber?

Professor Cornelius Schnauber (1939-2014) was a German-born scholar, historian, playwright, biographer, and educator. He was an Emeritus Associate Professor of German at the University of Southern California (USC) and was highly esteemed for his academic work, cultural diplomacy, and efforts in German-Jewish reconciliation.

What was his academic background?

He earned his doctorate at the University of Hamburg in 1968, specializing in German literature, phonetics, and political science. He also taught at the Phonetics Institute of the University of Hamburg before moving to the U.S.

What was his role at the University of Southern California (USC)?

At USC, he served as an Assistant Professor, then Associate Professor of German, and was Chairman of the Department of German from 1975 to 1984. He also founded and directed the Max Kade Institute for Austrian-German-Swiss Studies.

What was his involvement in German-Jewish relations?

Professor Schnauber co-founded the German-Jewish dialogue with Morris Kagan, an initiative that for over two decades brought together post-WWII generation Germans and Jews to foster reconciliation and healing, earning him recognition as "a leader in fostering German-Jewish relations."

What kind of books and plays did he write?

He was a prolific author whose works spanned diverse subjects, including analyses of Hitler's rhetoric, philosophy, literary criticism (e.g., on Eugen Gomringer), and studies of European émigrés in Hollywood. He also wrote biographies of Fritz Lang and Plácido Domingo. As a playwright, his works included plays about Richard Wagner and Irma and Emma.

What notable honors did he receive?

He received numerous high distinctions, including the Distinction of Honor in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria (1979), various Orders of Merit from the Federal Republic of Germany (1983, 1986, 2002), and a special resolution from the Los Angeles City Council for his contributions to cultural understanding between Berlin and Los Angeles.

Did he write an autobiography?

Yes, his autobiography, titled Von Dresden bis Hollywood. Erinnerungen, Reflexionen und Begegnungen aus zwei Welten erzählt einer Freundin in 7 Vigilien, was published in March 2010.