25 June 2014, 6.30pm
David Sizer Lecture Theatre,
Mile End Campus, Queen Mary
University of London
During and after the First World War many composers commented on the hostilities through their works. We can find demonstrations of patriotism, sorrow and grief, but also criticism of the unprecedented carnage. The noises of the battlefield, hymns and military music were all incorporated. They operate as symbols of the composers’ views of the war. This lecture will present examples of various war-related compositions in different countries. It will discuss how music introduces war noises and discuss why these can only be found to a limited degree.
Stefan Hanheide is Professor of Music History at the University of Osnabrück. His current research focuses on music in the context of political violence. Topics include music related to the Thirty Years War in the seventeeth century and wars and violence during the twentieth century. His recent publications include “Music positions its forces – Functionalisations of Music during the First World War” (2013) and “Pace: Music between war and peace. 40 portraits of compositions” (2007). Since 1993 he has organized concerts In Osnabrück under the title “musica pro pace”.
To book, please visit: http://greatwarineuropeanmusic.eventbrite.co.uk
For further information contact
Ms Moushumi Bhowmik
School of History, Room 4.14, Arts 2 Building
Queen Mary University of London
London E1 4NS
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 8348
email: m.bhowmik@qmul.ac.uk