Imperialism and music : Britain, 1876-1953 / Jeffrey Richards.

Author/creator Richards, Jeffrey
Format Book
Publication InfoManchester ; New York : Manchester University Press ; New York : Distributed exclusively in the USA by Palgrave, 2001.
Descriptionx, 534 pages ; 25 cm.
Subjects
Music--Great Britain. --19th century. --History and criticism.
Music--Great Britain. --20th century. --History and criticism.
Music--Social aspects. --Great Britain.
Imperialism--Great Britain. --History. --19th century.
Imperialism--Great Britain. --History. --20th century.

SeriesStudies in imperialism
Studies in imperialism (Manchester, England) ^A231036
Contents Meanings: empire and music -- Sullivan's empire -- Elgar's empire -- Music for official occasions: coronations and jubilees -- Imperial days: Armistice Day and Empire Day -- Teaching the lessons of the empire: exhibitions and festivals -- All the king's horses and all the king's men: the Aldershot tattoo -- Bring on the girls: opera, operetta and ballet -- The sun never sets: music for imperial films -- Sing a song of empire -- From Greenland's icy mountains, from India's coral strand: the imperial hymn -- Imperial march -- Hearts across the sea: the dominions' musical tour of 1911 -- The empire's queens of song: Dame Emma Albani, Dame Nellie Melba, Dame Clara Butt -- The troubadour of empire: Peter Dawson.
Abstract This is the first book to consider the relationship between British imperialism and music. With its unique ability to stimulate the emotions and to create mental images, music was used to dramatize, illustrate and reinforce the components of the ideological cluster that constituted British imperialism in its heyday: patriotism, monarchism, hero-worship, Protestantism, racialism and chivalry. It was also used to emphasize the inclusiveness of Britain by stressing the contributions of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland to the imperial project. Music was specifically written to promote the idea of the Empire and was used in pageants and tattoos to bolster and underpin imperial ideology. At the same time a common musical culture was disseminated within the Empire, partly by emulation of the Home Country but also by the activities of touring British bands, choirs, singers, and conductors. This study examines every musical form from high culture to popular culture: the symphony, the overture, the ode, the hymn, the ballad, the march, the film score and the music hall song. It covers composers such as Elgar and Sullivan, and performers from Dame Nellie Melba to Peter Dawson. Written in a lively and accessible style, this book will be enjoyed by both specialists and the general reader alike, and will appeal to anyone interested in cultural history, musical history and the wider history of the British Empire.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
LCCN 2001055899
ISBN0719045061
ISBN0719061431 (pbk.)

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Music Stacks ML285 .R53 2001 ✔ Available Place Hold