In Music and Musical Life in Soviet Russia, we read all about the Resolution of 1932 and the way that enabled the Party to take the primary role in determining the direction that Soviet composers would take when creating new music. This had a profound impact on the music being produced. Schwartz says, “advanced composers became commonplace. Young composers endeavoured to be inoffensive, and conservatism became a cherished virtue, while musical nationalism experienced a revival” (115). The Party’s desire to become more involved in music indicates that they felt it was an important aspect of Soviet society that deserved their attention. That leads me to my questions: Why was music so important to Soviet culture? Additionally, the quote I included mentions “musical nationalism.” What is that and why is it significant?
