The instrumentalization of the arts, including music, to represent and exercise power has been investigated extensively within the societal context of the ancien régime and the twentieth century, mostly in relation to absolutism and dictatorship. This conference shall instead delve into this topic during the “long nineteenth century” (c. 1789-1914): the age of the Industrial Revolution, liberalism and social conflicts, nationalism, and colonialism.

‘Power’ is understood not only in the strictly political sense, as state power, or as the domination of one nation or ethnic group over others; rather, in light of recent historiographical and philosophical debates, the scope of the concept extends broadly to all aspects of social life where there is a significant relationship of domination/submission. The geographical scope will focus on the Western world (Europe and the Americas), including extra-European territories subject to or influenced by colonial rule. Papers will cover the entire field of music without limitations in genre, from sacred to instrumental music, from musical theater to folk song, and beyond.