Musical Nationalism, Despotism, and Scholarly Interventions in Greek Popular Music

Greek popular music has a long and rich history, which has been shaped by a variety of factors, including political, social, and cultural influences. One of the most significant factors that has shaped Greek popular music is musical nationalism. Musical nationalism is a form of nationalism that emphasizes the importance of music in expressing and promoting national identity. In Greece, musical nationalism has been a powerful force since the 19th century, and it has played a major role in shaping the development of Greek popular music.

Musical Nationalism, Despotism and Scholarly Interventions in Greek Popular Music

by Nikos Ordoulidis

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Language	:	English
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In this article, I will explore the complex relationship between musical nationalism, despotism, and scholarly interventions in Greek popular music. I will draw on a range of historical and contemporary sources to examine how Greek popular music has been shaped by nationalist ideologies and political power, and how scholars have played a role in shaping its meanings and significance.

Musical Nationalism in Greece

The roots of musical nationalism in Greece can be traced back to the 19th century, when Greece was struggling for independence from the Ottoman Empire. During this period, Greek musicians and intellectuals began to collect and perform traditional Greek folk songs and dances. These songs and dances were seen as symbols of Greek national identity, and they were used to promote a sense of unity and patriotism among Greeks.

After Greece gained independence in 1829, musical nationalism continued to be a powerful force in Greek society. Greek musicians and composers began to incorporate traditional Greek elements into their works, and they also began to create new works that were explicitly nationalist in character. These works often celebrated Greek history, culture, and achievements, and they helped to create a sense of national pride among Greeks.

Musical nationalism reached its peak in Greece during the 20th century. During this period, Greek musicians and composers created some of the most iconic works of Greek popular music, including the songs "Ta Paidia tis Ellados" (The Children of Greece) and "O Xenos" (The Stranger). These songs became anthems of Greek nationalism, and they were used to promote a sense of unity and patriotism among Greeks.

Despotism and Greek Popular Music

Musical nationalism has not always been a positive force in Greek popular music. In the 20th century, musical nationalism was often used by dictatorships to promote their own political agendas. For example, the Metaxas dictatorship (1936-1941) used musical nationalism to promote a cult of personality around the dictator, Ioannis Metaxas. The dictatorship also banned certain types of music, such as jazz and Western pop music, which it deemed to be un-Greek.

The Papadopoulos dictatorship (1967-1974) also used musical nationalism to promote its own political agenda. The dictatorship created a new national anthem, "Eisai Monaxos" (You Are Alone),which was written by the dictator, Georgios Papadopoulos. The dictatorship also banned certain types of music, such as rock and roll and folk music, which it deemed to be subversive.

The use of musical nationalism by dictatorships in Greece had a negative impact on Greek popular music. It stifled creativity and innovation, and it prevented Greek musicians from expressing themselves freely.

Scholarly Interventions in Greek Popular Music

Scholars have played a significant role in shaping the meanings and significance of Greek popular music. In the 20th century, scholars began to collect and study traditional Greek folk songs and dances. This work helped to preserve these songs and dances and to make them more accessible to the general public. Scholars also began to write about the history of Greek popular music, and they helped to create a body of knowledge about this important aspect of Greek culture.

In the 21st century, scholars continue to play an important role in the study of Greek popular music. They are researching the history of Greek popular music, they are analyzing the music itself, and they are exploring the social and cultural significance of Greek popular music. Their work is helping to deepen our understanding of this important aspect of Greek culture.

Musical nationalism has been a powerful force in the development of Greek popular music. It has been used to promote national unity and patriotism, but it has also been used by dictatorships to promote their own political agendas. Scholars have played a significant role in shaping the meanings and significance of Greek popular music. They have collected and studied traditional Greek folk songs and dances, they have written about the history of Greek popular music, and they have explored its social and cultural significance. Their work is helping to deepen our understanding of this important aspect of Greek culture.

Musical Nationalism, Despotism and Scholarly Interventions in Greek Popular Music

by Nikos Ordoulidis

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1063 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	188 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE