The Power Of Song

Beskrivelse

The Power of Song reveals how Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania faced down a military giant and won their freedom through what became known as the Baltic "Singing Revolution." Despite violent crackdowns by Soviet forces, the Baltic people held firm to peaceful protest through song.

The Baltic nations’ peaceful fight for independence, powered by music and unity.

This book explores how the Baltic countries used singing as a form of nonviolent resistance against Soviet oppression. Beginning in 1987, this public uprising challenged restrictions on free speech and assembly, eventually leading to the formation of independent governments in 1990 and breaking away from Soviet rule.

The Power of Song dives into why this independence movement earned the name "Singing Revolution," what songs were sung, and how music played a crucial role in rallying people and sustaining their peaceful efforts. Uniquely, it offers in-depth translations and interpretations of over 110 choral, rock, and folk songs, placing them within their cultural, poetic, and historical backgrounds.

Author Guntis Šmidchens is the Kazickas Family Endowed Professor in Baltic Studies at the University of Washington’s Scandinavian Studies Department.

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