Music's role in twentieth-century civil wars and freedom movements

Music of Civil Wars, Civil Rights & Freedom Movements of Europe, Africa along with North and South America during the 20th Century

For millions of people, music is a way of being able to relate to different cultural traditions. As, it has served as form of: uniting, individuals from all walks of life behind various social meanings and causes. This is significant, because throughout history, music has often served as foundation of instilling feelings of nationalism and self-determination.

During the 20th century, this has become an important part of the culture for a number of different countries around the globe. As, they were using it to: illustrate a host of social causes and issues that they wanted to see addressed. Evidence of this can be seen with observations from White (2008) who wrote, "Economic and social issues are particularly evident in the music of the 1960's, 1970's, 1980's and the 1990's. Economics within the music can be investigated as an exciting social efficacy theme in the teaching and learning process." (White, 2008, pg. 43) This is significant, because it is showing how the music of the 20th century was a part of the larger social and cultural revolutions in many different areas of the world. To fully understand how this has occurred requires examining the way music influenced a variety of events ranging from: civil wars to social rebellions. This will be accomplished by looking at how the music influenced incidents in number of countries including: Spain, Ireland, South Africa, the U.S., Cuba, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. Once this occurs, it will provide the greatest insights as to the way music influenced a variety of outcomes in these nations.

The Music of the 20th Century and What it represents

During the 20th century, music would undergo a number of shifts. Part of the reason for this, is because the improvements in technology would have an impact on: how music was listened to and the way that it was performed. Some good examples of this can be seen with: the electric guitar, the accordion, the microphone and the electric keyboard just to name a few. At the same time, many of the song lyrics were often filled with ideas about various social, economic and political issues. This had an impact on how people were interpreting the meaning of the song. As, the use of technology created new ways to: record and play music to larger audiences. While various ideas, (such as: Communism) were infused in the lyrics to highlight the underlying them. This had an impact on the listener, as they were influenced by the music they were hearing. At which point, they began to support various causes that were similar to the ideas in the music. This is when some kind of dramatic shifts occurred, as the status quo could no longer ignore the demands of the people. Around the globe, these different elements played a role in determining the outcome for a variety of: social, economic and political situations during the 20th century. (Cook, 2004, pp. 18 -- 29)

Spain

In the 20th century, Spanish musicians were influenced by the various events that were occurring in the country at the time. This had an effect on the way the music was being written and performed. As, the objective of the artist was to influence the listener through: the performance and the message augmented together.

A good example of this can be seen with Generation 27 during the 1920's and into the 1930's. This was a group of artists, who came together to express their frustrations with the political situation in the country. A few of the most notable include: Jorge Guillian, Pedro Salinas, Federico Garcia and Gerardo Diego just to name a few. The way that this was accomplished was with: the freedom that these artists were given when they were composing various lyrics. This created a sense of empowerment for the listener, as they began to apply the freestyle thinking to: their daily lives. At which point, they would become frustrated with the current political and economic situation in the country. This helped to fuel support for the civil war (during the 1930's) against the monarchy, with the Franco regime becoming a way of hope for the people. As, they believed that the civil war was: a way they could be able to have their political, economic and social demands heard. (Marco, 1993, pp. 101 -- 128)

However, after Franco was able to achieve victory, is when he would consolidate his gains and formed an authoritarian government. This caused many of the different artists to flee or become victims of the violence. While at other times, artists were able to become a part of new regime and the culture it represents (Gerardo Diego). This is significant, because it shows how the artists used their freestyle of composition to create a form of medium that could speak to large audiences of people. As this is highlighting, how it would become a part of them during the civil war. Then, when Franco consolidated power is when a change occurred, with some artists continuing their work in exile. While others were allowed to do so, provided they followed various guidelines. This is illustrating how the music is a reflection of the changing political realities in Spain after the end of the civil war. (Marco, 1993, pp. 101 -- 128)

Ireland

In the case of Ireland, their music was influenced by similar themes as in Spain. The only difference is: that it was often tied to Irish nationalism. As they wanted to see the British leave Ireland and have their own form of self-determination. This was accomplished, through the t use of Gallic sounds often involving: a fiddle, wooden flute, tin whistle and harp. This created a way of uniting the people behind the traditional forms of music (based upon: dancing and select ballads). During the early 20th century, this created a sense of nationalism among the Irish. This is important, because it is showing how the classic forms of music were used to unite the people against British rule. (Romer, 2011) (Randel, 2003, pp. 420 -- 422)

Later on in the 20th century, many Irish rockers began to use a similar theme, as the composers of the traditional folk music did during the early 1900's. The difference was that they were using technology and Rock N Roll to create a sense of nationalism among the Irish (about a host of different issues). (Romer, 2011) (Randel, 2003, pp. 420 -- 422)

This is significant, because the songs and the activism of the different artists created a sense of wanting to change the status quo. As a result, one could easily argue that changing views of the British public were because of the music these artists were composing. Where, this allowed people to see the struggles that many of the Irish were going through. Over the course of time, this would create a sense of sympathy and unity among the Irish. (Romer, 2011) (Randel, 2003, pp. 420 -- 422)

Cuba

Cuba is a combination of different forms of music including: Spanish and African. This is because the country is a mixture of both cultures. As a result, it is often seen as form of entertainment and pride. While at the same time, it is used as a way to illustrate various political, social or economic changes that need to occur. An example of this can be seen with the music of Alejandro Catula. As, he would combine: Spanish style sounds with various African tempos. This created a one of a kind jingle that people enjoyed listening to. At same time, he would incorporate various freestyle lyrics and techniques to highlight his liberal views about society. Over the course of time, this artistic style was continually embraced by Cuban musicians to: illustrate the injustices that were taking place in their country from the 1920' to the late 1950's. As, this was a representation of: hope and frustration that many ordinary people were feeling. (Carpentier, 2001, 268 -- 277)

Chile

In Chile, a shift was taking place in way music was being composed during the early 20th century. This was occurring based upon influences from other artists around the world. As, radio and television began to have an impact on the way they were composing various songs as well as lyrics. This led to more liberal techniques that were being used to: create a new form of music. ("Latin American Music," 2011)

One, where the traditional elements of Chilean music were incorporated with sounds such as: electric guitars. Over the course to time, this created shifts in the views of society. As the use of these liberal techniques, changed the way people thought of their role in: the political system and culturally. This is significant, because it is showing how the music during the 1960's and 1970's would have an impact on political events. With the songs, becoming a part of the civil rights struggle that many people were: facing from the authoritarian government. As this was a way of uniting everyone together behind one single cause. ("Latin American Music," 2011)

Argentina

During the 20th century, the music of Argentina was undergoing similar changes as Chile. Where, the people are struggling to overcome the brutal military dictatorship, while many artists were creating new ways of expressing themselves. As, some were using various techniques from: other countries and were augmenting it as a part of their own compositions. This is because various artists were creating their works in exile, while others did so in secret (inside the country). As a result, a shift occurred in how the people were viewing various social and political structures. Over the course of time, this would help to bring about changes in the government, with the public wanting to have a system more that is more responsive to their needs. ("Latin American Music," 2011)

Bolivia

In Bolivia, the music is combination of South American Indian themes that are augmented with Spanish culture. As, it is a collection of different sounds that are blended into one traditional form, encompassing a number of elements including: the flute, mandolina, skin drums and the matraca. At the same time, the music was influenced by other compositions from around the globe. Once this occurred, it created a unique way for many people to empathize with: these feelings of frustration and share a common set of beliefs. A good example of this can be seen with election of Evo Morales in 2005. To help create a sense of unity, as he would use traditional forms of Bolivian music that was augmented with: hip hop and rock. This helped him to be able to create a bond with the indigenous people, by showing how he can address the frustrations they are feeling. As the music, created a sense of community and hope about, how he could address the problems that have plagued the country for so long. This is significant, because it is illustrating the way this was used in: unifying everyone and highlighting the belief that changes were going to occur. (Bradlow, 2005)