Music, Propaganda, and the Spanish Civil War

Abstract This book examines the international dimension of musical propaganda during the Spanish Civil War (1936–39) and its aftermath. The chapters analyze a wide variety of works, genres, styles, and musical practices that served as essential tools in the propaganda and diplomatic offensives of both sides. The studies cover musical genres that have received little attention in Civil War scholarship, such as Nazi military music, zarzuela, flamenco, music for Catalan cobla, music hall, orientalist film music, tango, and music for ballet and modern dance. Musicians whose work is analyzed include well-known figures such as Hanns Eisler, Samuel Barber, Manuel de Falla, Federico Moreno Torroba, and Imperio Argentina, along with others less explored in music and Civil War studies, such as Elie Siegmeister, Lou Harrison, Daniel Antón Cazorla, and the musicians of Cobla Barcelona. The studies underscore the fundamental role of radio, sound cinema, and other emerging sound technologies in these propaganda efforts, as well as the importance of music and sound in shaping a collective historical memory of the Civil War. The musical dimension of the conflict is explored both in its global context and in relation to various local, regional, and national identities within Spain. This monograph is an essential resource for understanding the musical dimension of a landmark conflict of the twentieth century.