5.4 Nationalism in 19th Century Music
2 min read•august 6, 2024
Nationalism swept through 19th-century music, with composers drawing on folk tunes and local traditions to create distinct national styles. This movement was especially strong in Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and Russia, where artists sought to assert their .
Composers like Smetana, Dvořák, and Grieg incorporated and rhythms into classical forms. in Russia championed a uniquely Russian sound. This trend reflected broader and unity.
Composers and Their Nationalities
Czech Composers
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- , a Czech composer known for his opera "The Bartered Bride" and the symphonic poem "" which portrays the history, legends and landscape of the composer's native Bohemia
- , another Czech composer who frequently employed rhythms and other aspects of the folk music of Moravia and his native Bohemia, exemplified in his "" and his ninth symphony "From the New World"
Scandinavian Composers
- , a Norwegian composer and pianist who drew inspiration from Norwegian folk music, as evident in his "" suite and "Lyric Pieces" for piano
- , a Finnish composer known for his seven symphonies and "", a tone poem that initially embodied the national struggle of the Finnish people
Hungarian Composer
- , a Hungarian composer, pianist and who collected and researched Hungarian, Transylvanian, Romanian, and Slovak folk music, incorporating these elements into his compositions like the opera "Bluebeard's Castle" and his string quartets
Musical Nationalism and Folk Influences
Defining Musical Nationalism
- refers to the use of musical ideas or motifs that are identified with a specific country or region, often drawing on folk melodies, rhythms, and dance forms
- Composers used to evoke a or , often in the context of political movements for national independence or unity
- Musical nationalism was prominent in the 19th century, particularly in countries or regions seeking to assert their national identities (Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Russia)
Incorporating Folk Music
- Composers drew inspiration from the traditional music of their homelands, using folk songs, dances, and legends as source material for their compositions
- Folk melodies, rhythms, and harmonies were incorporated into classical forms like symphonies, operas, and solo works
- Collecting and studying folk music became an important activity for many nationalist composers, who sought to preserve and celebrate their musical heritage (Bartók, Vaughan Williams)
The Mighty Five
- The Mighty Five, also known as "The Five", were a group of Russian composers who sought to create a distinctly Russian classical music in the 19th century
- The group consisted of Mily Balakirev (the leader), César Cui, Modest Mussorgsky, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Alexander Borodin
- They incorporated Russian folk music, Orthodox chant, and programmatic elements evoking Russian history and legends into their compositions, as exemplified in works like Mussorgsky's "" and Borodin's ""
Key Terms to Review (24)
Antonín dvořák: Antonín Dvořák was a Czech composer who lived from 1841 to 1904, known for his contributions to the nationalist movement in music during the 19th century. His works often incorporated elements of Czech folk music, which helped to create a unique national identity in the realm of classical music, influencing composers across Europe and representing the spirit of nationalism in the arts.
Bedřich smetana: Bedřich Smetana was a Czech composer, often regarded as the father of Czech music and one of the key figures in the development of nationalism in 19th-century music. His works often incorporated themes and folklore from his homeland, which served to celebrate Czech identity and culture during a time of growing national consciousness in Europe.
Béla Bartók: Béla Bartók was a Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist, and pianist, born in 1881 and widely regarded as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. His works often reflect a blend of folk music elements and classical techniques, establishing him as a key figure in the development of nationalism in music during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His deep commitment to preserving Eastern European folk music made him a pioneer in the field of ethnomusicology.
Cultural Identities: Cultural identities refer to the shared characteristics, values, and beliefs that define a group of people and distinguish them from others. These identities can be influenced by various factors such as ethnicity, language, religion, and history, contributing to the uniqueness of different cultures. In the context of music, cultural identities play a crucial role in shaping nationalistic themes as composers seek to express their heritage and connect with their audiences through familiar sounds and traditions.
Czech Nationalism: Czech nationalism refers to the political and cultural movement aimed at establishing and promoting the identity and interests of the Czech people, particularly during the 19th century. This movement emerged as a response to the dominance of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and was characterized by a revival of Czech language, literature, and music, seeking to assert Czech identity and autonomy within a multi-ethnic empire.
Edvard Grieg: Edvard Grieg was a Norwegian composer and pianist, born in 1843, known for his contributions to the Romantic music movement and for emphasizing nationalistic themes in his works. He played a significant role in the development of Norwegian music, often incorporating folk melodies and themes inspired by the landscapes and culture of Norway into his compositions.
Ethnomusicologist: An ethnomusicologist is a scholar who studies music in its cultural context, focusing on the relationships between music, culture, and society. This field blends the study of musicology with anthropology, allowing researchers to explore how music functions within different communities and how it reflects cultural identities. Ethnomusicologists often conduct fieldwork, engaging with musicians and local traditions to gather insights on the meaning and role of music in people's lives.
Finlandia: Finlandia is a symphonic poem composed by Jean Sibelius in 1899, which has become a significant musical symbol of Finnish nationalism. It was originally written as a protest against Russian oppression and is characterized by its rich melodies and powerful orchestration that evoke a sense of national pride. The piece reflects the broader movement of nationalism in 19th-century music, where composers sought to express their cultural identities through their works.
Folk idioms: Folk idioms are musical expressions that embody the cultural identity and traditions of a specific community or region. These idioms often incorporate distinctive rhythms, melodies, and lyrical content that reflect the everyday lives, struggles, and celebrations of the people, serving as a form of musical storytelling that connects listeners to their heritage. In the context of 19th-century nationalism, folk idioms played a crucial role in expressing national identity and pride by drawing on the local sounds and themes inherent in a nation’s culture.
Folk melodies: Folk melodies are simple, traditional tunes that originate from the cultural and social practices of a particular community or nation. These melodies often reflect the everyday life, history, and emotions of the people, making them vital in the context of 19th-century music nationalism, as composers sought to evoke national identity and pride through these familiar tunes.
Folklorization: Folklorization is the process through which traditional folk elements are adapted, transformed, and integrated into popular culture or artistic expressions. This phenomenon often occurs in the context of nationalism, where composers and musicians draw on local or regional folk traditions to create a sense of identity and pride, reflecting the cultural heritage of their nation.
Fusion: Fusion in music refers to the blending of different musical styles and cultural elements to create a new, innovative sound. This approach often incorporates traditional musical forms with contemporary influences, reflecting a diverse array of cultural identities. In the context of 19th-century nationalism, fusion became a means for composers to express their national identity while engaging with broader musical traditions.
In the Steppes of Central Asia: In the Steppes of Central Asia refers to a musical work composed by Alexander Borodin in 1880, which captures the spirit and culture of the Asian steppes. This piece is emblematic of the rise of nationalism in 19th-century music, where composers sought to express their national identity through folk themes and traditional elements, often drawing inspiration from regional landscapes and cultures.
Jean Sibelius: Jean Sibelius was a Finnish composer, widely recognized for his contributions to symphonic music and his role in establishing a national identity for Finland through music. His works often incorporate elements of Finnish folk themes and nature, reflecting his deep connection to the Finnish landscape and cultural heritage, which were significant aspects of nationalism in 19th-century music.
Local color: Local color refers to the use of specific cultural, regional, or ethnic characteristics within a work of art or literature that highlight the unique qualities of a particular place or community. In music, this concept manifests through the incorporation of indigenous folk elements, traditional melodies, and local instruments, reflecting the geographical and cultural identity of a nation. It serves as a vital aspect of nationalism in music by fostering a sense of pride and belonging among listeners.
Má vlast: Má vlast, meaning 'My Country' in Czech, is a symphonic poem cycle composed by Bedřich Smetana that celebrates the beauty and history of the Czech lands. This work is significant as it embodies the spirit of nationalism in 19th century music, reflecting the cultural pride and identity of the Czech people during a time of growing national consciousness and desire for independence from foreign rule.
Musical nationalism: Musical nationalism is a movement in music that emerged in the 19th century, characterized by composers incorporating elements from their national folk traditions, themes, and history into their works. This movement aimed to express national identity and pride, often in response to the political and social changes occurring during that time. It served as a means for composers to celebrate their heritage and connect with audiences on a cultural level.
National Ethos: National ethos refers to the character, values, and beliefs that define a nation and its people, often influencing cultural identity and artistic expression. In the context of 19th-century music, national ethos was crucial as composers sought to express their national identities through their works, reflecting the pride and spirit of their homeland. This connection between music and national ethos contributed significantly to the rise of nationalism during this period, as artists used their craft to convey the uniqueness of their cultures.
Peer Gynt: Peer Gynt is a play by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, which was later adapted into a famous suite of music by composer Edvard Grieg. The story follows the adventures of the titular character, Peer Gynt, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, reflecting themes of nationalism and identity that were significant in the 19th century. The music composed by Grieg highlights the essence of Norwegian folk traditions and resonates with the ideals of nationalism prevalent during this time.
Pictures at an Exhibition: Pictures at an Exhibition is a suite of musical pieces originally composed for piano by Modest Mussorgsky in 1874, inspired by an exhibition of drawings and watercolors by his friend Viktor Hartmann. This work reflects elements of nationalism through its use of Russian themes and folk elements, showcasing the unique cultural identity of Russia during the 19th century. It was later orchestrated by Maurice Ravel, which helped popularize the piece and solidify its status as a significant example of program music.
Political Movements for National Independence: Political movements for national independence refer to organized efforts by groups within a nation or territory to achieve self-governance and autonomy from foreign domination or colonial rule. These movements often emerge in response to cultural suppression, economic exploitation, and social injustices, reflecting a growing sense of national identity and unity among the people. In the 19th century, these movements significantly influenced music as composers sought to express their national identity and resonate with the aspirations of their fellow citizens.
Russian Nationalism: Russian nationalism is a political and cultural ideology that emphasizes the interests, culture, and identity of the Russian people and promotes the idea of a unified Russian state. It emerged strongly in the 19th century as part of a broader wave of nationalist movements across Europe, seeking to assert national identity and independence from foreign influences, especially during periods of social and political upheaval.
Slavonic Dances: Slavonic Dances are a set of orchestral compositions by Antonín Dvořák, inspired by the folk music and dance traditions of Slavic cultures. These pieces, particularly popularized in the late 19th century, embody the spirit of nationalism in music, celebrating the cultural identity and musical heritage of Slavic peoples through lively rhythms and folk-inspired melodies.
The Mighty Five: The Mighty Five refers to a group of five influential Russian composers in the 19th century: Mily Balakirev, César Cui, Modest Mussorgsky, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, and Alexander Borodin. These composers sought to create a distinctively Russian style of classical music, emphasizing national identity and folk traditions, and moving away from Western European influences.