A state that suppresses all freedom of speech, and which by imposing the most terrible punishments, treats each and every attempt at criticism, however morally justified, and every suggestion for improvement as plotting to high treason, is a state that breaks an unwritten law.

Attempts to take up a collection for Huber's widow Clara only brought about more trouble and eventually led to Hans Leipelt's arrest and execution. The final scene of this work which is about the wrongful execution of Agnes Bernauer depicts a guilt-ridden chorus begging not to be implicated in the title character's death. Orff's Die Bernauerin a project which he completed in 1946 and which he had discussed with Huber before the latter's execution is dedicated to Huber's memory.