Nationalism

1. RSNO Maestro Music 2011
Nationalism

2. Intended Learning
Copyright RSNO Education and Community Partnerships unless otherwise stated.
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In this presentation, we will learn about the term nationalismand how different composers have created nationalist music
We will also explore how other cultural groups have expressed their identity through music and dance
We will then learn how one of the composers from Maestro Music 2011 wrote nationalist music, and what influenced him to do so
We will also discuss the idea of nationalism and how it applies to our lives today
3. Introduction
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One of the key themes of the RSNOs Maestro Music concert this year is nationalism
This PowerPoint presentationis intended to give some thought-provoking background ideas and a context in which to listen to some of the pieces of music
Before we begin, what nationality are you?
What defines this nationality for you? Is it the way you speak, what your wear, or something political or religious?
Lets start with looking at the dictionary definition of nationalism
4. Introduction
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nationalism [nash-uh-nl-iz-uhm] noun
1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) a sentiment based on common cultural characteristics that binds a population and often produces a policy of national independence or separatism
2. loyalty or devotion to one's country; patriotism
3. exaggerated, passionate, or fanatical devotion to a national community
nationalist n & adj
nationalistic adj*
Click here to learn more about this definition on Schools-Wikipedia.
*Collins English Dictionary Complete and Unabridged
HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003
5. Introduction
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So, nationalism helps us identify who we are through cultural characteristics
It can bring us together and unite us (think of the Eurovision song competition!)
It can also a basis for political movements
It is has been the source of
cultural styles for many centuries
This presentation will concentrate
on the musical styles of the late
19th and early 20th centuries and
how they demonstrate nationalism
Image source: http://blogs.channel4.com/benjamin-cohen-on-technology/files/2011/05/eurovision.jpg
6. Nationalism in Music
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Composers often incorporate aspects of national identity in their music
This became more and more popular in the 19th century during the Romantic era of music
Composers would draw upon folk tunes of their country and add them to their music
They would narrate important
historical events through music
(the popular musical Les Miserables
is a good example of this)
Image source: http://www.roadsidetheater.com/just_cosette.jpg
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They drew upon national legends and tales
Composers were often dictated to by governments
about what their music should sound like
Composers have also used music as a way to express anti-government feelings
Nationalistic styles were heightened during periods
of war as people became patriotic about their
country
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The following video clips illustrate how traditional cultures have influenced classical composers
The first video clip is of a traditional Slovakian folk dance and accompanying music
The second clip illustrates how composer Dvorak uses this style of music for full orchestral forces
The third clip gives us a taste of life as a Shaker, an American religious movement in the late 1800s
The final clip is of Appalachian Spring by the American composer Copland, who included the Shaker worship song called Simple Gifts in this piece
9. Copyright RSNO Education and Community Partnerships unless otherwise stated.
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Nationalism in Music
Slovakia: Folk Dances
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Antonin Dvorak: Slavonic Dances
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Shakers: Simple Gifts
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Aaron Copland: Appalachian Spring
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Can you hear the use of the traditional cultures in these two classical pieces of music?
Do they sound typical of the nations they come from, America and Slovakia?
What is it that makes them sound nationalistic?
14. Who am I?
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Look at the pictures below that depict the life of one of the composers featured in Maestro Music:
15. Ask yourself the following:
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When did this person live, what century or era?
What sort of life did they lead?
What were their interests?
What was their education like?
Did they have any connections to other famous people?
16. Ralph Vaughan Williams
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The images are connected to the life of English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams:
He was born in The Vicarage, in Down Ampney, on 12 October 1872
He had two famous great-great grandfathers, Charles Darwin and Josiah Wedgwood (founder of Wedgwood Pottery)
He learned to play the violin at a young age
17. Ralph Vaughan Williams
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He was educated at Charterhouse School in Surrey and studied music at the Royal College of Music in London
He joined the 2/4th London Field Ambulance, part of the 179thBrigade and fought in WWI
He also became involved in war time activities during WWII
He was a conductor, and often conducted his own works
He was a great collector of folk songs and wrote many tunes in manuscript
18. A London Symphony by Vaughan Williams
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The RSNO will perform the second movement of Vaughan Williams Symphony No5, which was also known as a London Symphony
Look up the piece and take a listen
What makes it sound English?
Vaughan Williams used rhythms and melodies
commonly heard in English folk music (especially
country dances)
He was also inspired by landmarks in London
If you listen closely, you can hear the bells from
Westminster Cathedral
19. A London Symphony by Vaughan Williams
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There were a lot of factors in his life that inspired Vaughan Williams to write such nationalist music:
His ancestors were English
He grew up in the English countryside
He studied music in London
He served England in both World Wars
Which of these factors do you think had the biggest impact on Vaughan Williams?Why?
20. What do you think?
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Do you consider yourself patriotic?Why or why not?
If you were going to write a Scottish piece, what would you do to make it sound Scottish?
What kinds of rhythms and melodies would you include?
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Consider the following things that help people identify as Scottish:
Places
Religion
Mythology
Language and Literature
Music and Dance
Art
Food
Would you refer to any of these things in your Scottish music?How?What else might you include?
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How can nationalism be positive?
How can nationalism be negative?
Do you think people are more or less nationalist now than they were in Vaughan Williams time?
Why or Why not?
What has changed?
Where else do you see examples of nationalism?
23. Experiences and Outcomes
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I have developed a sense of my heritage and identity as a British, European or global citizen and can present arguments about the importance of respecting the heritage and identity of others [SOC 4-02a]
I can present an informed view on how the expansion of power and influence of countries or organisations may impact on the cultures, attitudes and experiences of those involved [SOC 4-19a]

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