One might argue that the above writeup minimizes Strauss' association with the Nazis. Although he was not a serious collaborator, he was quite close with many of its musical figures, and was certaintly more of an opportunist than a principled opponent until the last year of the war. At the same time, this is not to say he was a out and out Nazi like Pfitzner. Rather, he was a musician who knew how to use politics.