Music Library Thematic Displays: Music and Politics

Music and politics are deeply intertwined, often reflecting and shaping societal values, movements, and identities. Throughout history, music has served as a powerful tool for political expression, protest, and mobilization, from folk songs that capture the struggles of marginalized communities to anthems that unite movements for change. Composers and musicians have been using their art to comment on political issues, unite communities, and inspire movements.

Nero was the fifth Roman emperor (54–68 CE), stepson and heir of the emperor Claudius. He became infamous for his personal debaucheries and extravagances and, on doubtful evidence, for his burning of Rome and persecutions of Christians.

Many operas have been written about him, or reference him, including monteverdi’s l’incoronazion di poppea, Handel’s agrippina, handel’s nero, and mascagni’s nerone.

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2024, September 16).Nero.EncyclopediaBritannica.

Jake Heggie, Iconic Legacies: The First Ladies of The Smithsonian: This set is inspired by different items in the Smithsonian with a connection to the First Ladies of the United States. It is four songs for a mezzo-soprano and piano.

• Eleanor Roosevelt: Marian Anderson’s Mink Coat

• Mary Todd Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln’s Hat

• Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: White House Christmas Card, 1963

• Barbara Bush: The Muppets

Prokofiev’s “War Sonatas” refer to three piano sonatas composed during World War II. These works are often viewed as a response to the turmoil of the time and convey a range of emotions from despair to defiance:

• Piano Sonata No. 6 in A major, op. 82: Completed in 1939, this sonata reflects a sense of foreboding and tension. It incorporates both lyrical and aggressive passages, capturing the anxiety of the war.
• Piano Sonata No. 7 in B flat major, Op. 83: Composed in 1942, during the height of the war has a darker tone, with intense contrasts between the energetic outer movements and the poignant, lyrical second movement. The sonata's final movement conveys a sense of struggle and triumph.
• Piano Sonata No. 8 in B flat major, Op. 84: Finished in 1944, this sonata reflects a mixture of sorrow and hope. It combines elements of both the previous sonatas, featuring a complex structure and varied moods.

Beethoven's Third Symphony, "Eroica," was composed between 1803 and 1804, a tribute to Napoleon Bonaparte. Originally titled "Bonaparte," it emphasized revolutionary ideals and the values of the French Revolution including liberty and equality.

The symphony marked a turning point in Beethoven's career and symphonic music development. Its innovative structure and emotional depth transcended the Classical style of composers like Haydn and Mozart.

However, Beethoven's disillusionment with Napoleon after he declared himself Emperor in 1804, led him to change the title to "Eroica," meaning "Heroic," reflecting a broader notion of heroism.

Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 60, known as the Leningrad Symphony, began in Leningrad, was completed in Samara (then known as Kuybyshev) in December 1941, and premiered on March 5, 1942. Originally dedicated to Lenin, it was later presented in honor of the besieged city of Leningrad, where it was first played under dire conditions on August 9, 1942, nearly a year into the German siege.

Shostakovich's longest symphony, it usually takes about 80 minutes to perform. It features four movements. Shostakovich initially gave them titles "War", "Reminiscence", "Home Expanses", and "Victory"—but he soon removed them and left the movements only with tempo markings.