Lasker-Wallfisch: Of course. Someone asked me: "Will the war be over soon? What was it you used to do?" And what I said next probably saved my life. I said: "I play the cello." "Fantastic," was the person's response. I really didn't understand that at first. Here I am in Auschwitz and they need cellists? It seemed completely crazy to me.

SPIEGEL: How did the procedure continue?

Lasker-Wallfisch: Well, first they went away and I was left standing there, naked, bald and with a toothbrush in my hand. It wasn't until later that I understood what that meant. Naturally, the people in Auschwitz didn't get toothbrushes. That was the first privilege, a toothbrush. And then Alma Rose approached me...

SPIEGEL: ... the niece of Gustav Mahler and a renowned musician who directed the camp orchestra in Auschwitz...

Lasker-Wallfisch: ... exactly. And all she said was: "Wonderful, we need a cello. We don't have a cello here."