Music

About this Collection

From historic changes in form to the choice of what texts to set to music, the art of music has long been a vital force in the expression of the human desire for liberty.

Key People

Titles & Essays

A – Z List

Drama

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Literature On Music

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Music

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Music

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Not Categorized

Mozart’s Opera Marriage of Figaro

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (author)

One of Mozart’s most popular operas, with a libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte, based upon the notorious play by Beaumarchais. The play had been banned in 1786 because it questioned the legitimacy and rationality of the aristocracy by…

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Quotes

Literature & Music

Bach asks God “when will I die”? (1700)

Johann Sebastian Bach

Literature & Music

Beethoven’s hero Florestan in the opera Fidelio laments the loss of his liberty for speaking the truth to power (1805)

Ludwig van Beethoven

Literature & Music

J.S. Bach and Martin Luther on how God (the “feste Burg”) helps us gain our freedom (1730)

Johann Sebastian Bach

Literature & Music

Thierry on the need for songs about our lost liberties which will act as a barrier to encroaching power (1845)

Augustin Thierry

Notes About This Collection

See also the extracts, chapters, and introductions in the Music section of the Ideas page.