The role of classical music in the construction of nationalism: a cross‐national perspective

This paper explores the role of classical music in the construction of nationalism in the twentieth century. It takes its point of departure in the D anish composer C arl N ielsen and analyses competing interpretations and receptions of his works. The paper seeks to move beyond the single case study. Hence, it includes three additional cases: the S oviet composer D imitry S hostacovich (particularly the reception of his 5th S ymphony); the position of P aul H indemith in the T hird R eich; and finally the development in A ron C opland's oeuvre. In so doing, it aims to clarify the relationship between classical music and nationalism.