How
can music withstand the death and destruction brought on by war? Global
conflicts of the 20th century fundamentally transformed not only
national boundaries, power relations, and global economies, but also the
arts and culture of every nation involved. An important, unacknowledged
aspect of these conflicts is that they have unique musical soundtracks.
Music in World War II
explores how music and sound took on radically different dimensions in
the United States and Europe before, during, and after World War II.
Additionally, the collection examines the impact of radio and film as
the disseminators of the war's musical soundtrack. Contributors contend
that the European and American soundtrack of World War II was largely
one of escapism rather than the lofty, solemn, heroic, and celebratory
mode of "war music" in the past. Furthermore, they explore the variety
of experiences of populations forced from their homes and interned in
civilian and POW camps in Europe and the United States, examining how
music in these environments played a crucial role in maintaining ties to
an idealized "home" and constructing politicized notions of national
and ethnic identity. This fascinating and well-constructed volume of
essays builds understanding of the role and importance of music during
periods of conflict and highlights the unique aspects of music during
World War II.
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