Theories of the Singing Revolution: An Historical Analysis of the Role of Music in the Estonian Independence Movement

    Authors

    W. Waren

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Int. Rev. Aesthet. Sociol. Music

    Keywords

    social movements; role of music; sociology of music; peaceful; revolutions; former Soviet Republics; independence movements; Baltics; Estonia; Singing Revolution; SOCIAL-MOVEMENTS; Music

    Abstract

    This paper uses historical analysis to qualitatively connect various general theories of social movements to the music and historical events of Estonia's break from the Soviet Union, called the "Singing Revolution." The analysis highlights the social dimensions of music in traditional and contemporary song festivals, composition, performance, and audience. I show that music generally played a dynamic role in the revolution, regardless of the theoretical perspective used to describe the events. The powerful function of music in resource mobilization, intergenerational activism, identity work, and free spaces is confirmed.

    Journal Title

    International Review of the Aesthetics and Sociology of Music

    Volume

    43

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2012

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    439

    Last Page

    451

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000314617900009

    ISSN

    0351-5796

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