Patrick Bade
Music, Nationalism, Resistance, and the Struggle for Freedom
Summary
An edifying investigation into the ways in which music has shaped the course of political and cultural history. From the swaying of feelings through songs played during the French Revolution to the interaction of Beethoven’s music with nations resisting tyrants in France and Germany, we explore the power and reach music has on society.
Patrick Bade
Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.
Yes, there have been a number of arrangements of the “Marseillaise” by famous composers. There’s one by Verdi, there’s one by Stravinsky. I don’t think there’s one by Bizet. And there’ve been some naughty ones. The Beatles used it of course. And Serge Gainsbourg, actually, I was trying to find that one for today’s lecture. Gainsbourg’s version caused incredible outrage in France when he did an updated version of it.
The big question is what will become of the monarchy. I’m sure our monarchy is safe as long as our dear queen is still with us. But at some point in the near future, it’s possible that with the very likely breakup the United Kingdom, that we will be a republic. So what kind of anthem will we have? What should we have? We’ve got great tunes, we’ve got “Land of Hope and Glory”, “Rule Britannia”, but the words are unacceptable. I think my vote would go for Hubert Parry’s “Jerusalem” on the words of William Blake.
No, I haven’t. There are so many of these operas to be discovered. There’s a very good Georgian national opera, I think it’s called “Daisy”.