Music has often been associated with
patriotism and politics. Certainly national anthems have inspired a sense of
unity. Politicians have also used music to excite citizens: think of “The Marseillaise.”
Here are some more examples.
Even in the 18th century, music
could affirm a country’s leader. Handle’s piece Zadok the Priest was written
to confirm England’s George II’s confirmation as kind.
Sadly, but effectively, Beethoven’s and
Wagner’s music were used to sway the German people to affirm their superiority
and that of Hitler.
On the other hand, Chopin’s Polonaise was broadcast
on the radio during World War II to rally the Polish people against Hitler’s
invasion. That piece earlier stirred the Poles in 1848 to revolution.
While Messiaen was a World War II prisoner
of war in Germany, he composed Quartet for the End of Time, which moved even
the camp’s soldiers and resulted in his escape.
Likewise, Shostakovich’s Leningrad
symphony referred to World War II invasion and war. The piece was first broadcast
throughout the city while the Soviets and Germans fought – although the battle paused
to hear the music.
Most recently, Catherine Likhuta’s 2017 composition
Bad Neighbors was commissioned when Russia started invading Ukraine. The
piece evokes fighting and dialogue, and calls for freedom and peace.
In short, composers and their music can stir people to action.
