Icon names, OOC music notes.
Sep. 28th, 2014 01:22 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
grand_finaleAll of the icon names for this journal are names of classical music pieces, marches, military songs, folk songs, or otherwise songs so iconic that they evoke a particular emotion when you hear them because they're so ingrained in the public consciousness.
But just looking at the titles, you probably won't know what song is what. So since I have some spare time I thought I'd write up a little bit about various songs. Not all at once, but just a little bit at a time.
A short disclaimer: With few exceptions, most all of these songs are public domain and at least a century old. However, nothing exists in a vacuum, and that goes for music and composers as well. Many of these songs, especially the marches, are patriotic, religious, or otherwise political in nature. Music tells stories. It takes us places. It enriches the mind and lightens the heart. The potential unsavory nature of these past affiliations should not affect our present-day appreciation of the music as music. Nevertheless, it's impossible to truly appreciate music without understanding its historical context, which is what these posts set out to illustrate.
In particular, a lot of the German military marches of the 1800s were co-opted by the nazis and continue to attempt to be co-opted by neo-nazis today. These deranged groups attempt to twist history for their own political use and taint the appreciation of the music, which never had an affiliation with nazi-ism to begin with, by tying it to the evil of Hitler and Nazi Germany.
It is my sincere wish that appreciation and acknowledgement of history never be taken as, nor inspire, present-day support/admiration for disgusting past-regimes. For this reason, I stuck to using songs that are at least a century old. Every German march used as an icon keyword predates the Nazis' existence. I've also refrained from using any patriotic songs that glorify the Soviet Union, as I considered that too close to the present.
If you've read this far, thank you for bearing with me. I hope you find these notes enlightening.
MacDermott's War Song
You likely have never heard this song. Here's a performance of it on youtube:
The context of this song is from 1877 to 1878, the Russian Empire was in a war against the Ottoman Empire in what is today called the Russo-Turkish War. The war was fought because the Ottoman Empire held a large amount of territory in the Balkans, present day Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, etc. A Bulgarian uprising was put down harshly by the Ottoman forces, leading to the deaths of about 30,000 - 100,000 people. This lead to a declaration of war on the Ottomans from Serbia and Montenegro, and eventually Russia. On paper the Russian and Ottoman armies were about evenly-matched, but the Ottoman's passive tactics gave way to large Russian victories, to the point Russia looked poised to seize Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Initial opinion was very anti-Ottoman because of the news of Turkish atrocities. This was at conflict with the interests of the British Government. The British of the Victorian Era had a vested interest in keeping the Ottoman Empire intact. They had many investments there, and as long as it remained strong, their trade routes to India, which they desperately needed to maintain, would be safe. It was therefore not entirely in Britain's national interests for the Ottomans to lose the war, at least not severely.
However, it was very much in Russian interests to seize Constantinople. Having Constantinople would give Russia unrestricted access to the Bosporus Straight that connects the Black Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. This would have been a great boon to Russian trade and naval power. Furthermore, it would have absolutely crippled the Ottoman Empire for the same reasons. As such, when the Russians appeared to be winning the war to the extent they could seize Constantinople, the British Empire was determined not to allow it.
By coincidence, British performer G.H. MacDermott purchased this song and had popularized it by performing in music halls. It became immensely popular: it's a very catchy song! It's also very anti-Russian, pro-Turkish, and supported British militarism and British intervention in the war. It so closely followed British national interests that it was legitimized when MacDermott was asked to perform it for the Prince of Wales. (The future King Edward VII.)
The chorus is as follows:
We don't want to fight,
but, by Jingo, if we do.
We've got the ships,
we've got the men,
we've got the money too.
We've fought the Bear before,
and while we're Britons true,
the Russians shall not have Constantinople.
The song is remembered today for introducing the term "Jingoism," a term which arose in reference to this song. "Jingoism," is used to describe extreme, blind nationalism to the point the common person supports their country's militaristic goals even without comprehending why they have those goals. Did it matter to the common British citizen that Russia not have Constantinople? Probably not, but the song doesn't really inspire you to question that.
In the end, the Russians in fact did not march on Constantinople. The British sent a fleet of battleships to patrol the coast of the Black Sea where the Russians were present, an indirect threat that there would be war if the Russian offensive continued. The Russians got the point, and backed down. A treaty that ended the war would soon follow.
Given the song is a reference to blind, violent loyalty, I thought it appropriate to use for an icon where Nonon is not yet fighting, but is clearly looking threatening and wants to do so.
Here's a more in-depth analysis of the lyrics for those interested. Also note that if you look up other performances of this song on youtube, you're likely to find old phonograph recordings of an updated version made for World War I. This one removes the anti-Russian imagery and substitutes anti-German imagery, as well as changes part of the chorus from: "We don't want to fight, but by Jingo if we do," to "We didn't want to fight, but by Jingo, now we do!"
The "Dogs of War" are loose and the rugged Russian Bear,
[Reference to Russia as 'the Bear' continue to this day.]
Full bent on blood and misery has crawled out of his lair.
It seems a thrashing now and then, will never help to tame.
That brute, and so he's out upon the "same old game".
[A reference to the term "The Great Game," the name given for the competitions of political power plays between the British and Russian Empires for control of Central Asia throughout most of the 19th century and part of the early 20th century. Both had vested interest in the area. Think of it as a 19th century Cold War and it wouldn't be entirely wrong.]
The Lion did his best, to find him some excuse;
[Reference to Britain as a 'Lion' don't really exist anymore with the collapse of the British Empire.]
To crawl back to his den again. All efforts were no use.
He hungered for his victim. He's pleased when blood is shed.
But let us hope his efforts may all recoil on his own head.
Chorus:
We don't want to fight,
but, by Jingo, if we do,
["By Jingo," is a stand in for "by Jesus," like saying "shoot" instead of "shit," basically.]
We've got the ships,
we've got the men,
we've got the money too!
We've fought the Bear before... and while we're Britons true,
["Fought the Bear before," is a reference to the Crimean War, where all of Europe went to war with Russia over another conflict they had with the Ottoman Empire. Exactly for the same reasons: the rest of Europe didn't want the Russians to gain by the Ottomans being weakened.]
The Russians shall not have Constantinople.
The misdeeds of the Turks have been "spouted" through all lands,
[A reference to the anti-Turkish feelings in light of their atrocities in modern Bulgaria. Attempting to discount them.]
But what about the Russians, can they show spotless hands?
They slaughtered well at Khiva, in Siberia icy cold.
[A reference to the Russian invasion of the city of Khiva in modern Uzbekistan in 1873.]
How many subjects perished there we'll ne'er perhaps be told.
They butchered the Circassians, man, woman, yes, and child.
[A reference to a very long Russian conflict with Circassia in the Northwest Caucasus and the eventual displacement of the people there in 1864.]
With cruelties their Generals their murderous hours beguiled,
And poor unhappy Poland their cruel yoke must bear,
[Modern Poland at the time was partitioned between Germany and Russia, with most of it under control of Russia. All of these are attempts to demonize Russia.]
While prayers for "Freedom and Revenge" go up into the air.
(Chorus)
May he who began the quarrel soon have to bite the dust.
[A subtle line to paint Russia as the aggressor.]
The Turk should be thrice armed for "he hath his quarrel just."
'Tis sad that countless thousands should die through cruel war,
But let us hope most fervently ere long it shall be o'er.
Let them be warned: Old England is brave Old England still.
We've proved our might, we've claimed our right, and ever, ever will.
[Britain was the undisputed world power during the Victorian Era.]
Should we have to draw the sword, our way to victory we'll forge,
With the Battle cry of Britons: "Old England and St. George!"
[Saint George was a Christian crusader and considered the "patron saint of England," whose emblem of a red cross on a white background became the flag of England (and many other places) and the imagery is still seen on the modern UK flag. Patriotic imagery.]
(Chorus)
But just looking at the titles, you probably won't know what song is what. So since I have some spare time I thought I'd write up a little bit about various songs. Not all at once, but just a little bit at a time.
A short disclaimer: With few exceptions, most all of these songs are public domain and at least a century old. However, nothing exists in a vacuum, and that goes for music and composers as well. Many of these songs, especially the marches, are patriotic, religious, or otherwise political in nature. Music tells stories. It takes us places. It enriches the mind and lightens the heart. The potential unsavory nature of these past affiliations should not affect our present-day appreciation of the music as music. Nevertheless, it's impossible to truly appreciate music without understanding its historical context, which is what these posts set out to illustrate.
In particular, a lot of the German military marches of the 1800s were co-opted by the nazis and continue to attempt to be co-opted by neo-nazis today. These deranged groups attempt to twist history for their own political use and taint the appreciation of the music, which never had an affiliation with nazi-ism to begin with, by tying it to the evil of Hitler and Nazi Germany.
It is my sincere wish that appreciation and acknowledgement of history never be taken as, nor inspire, present-day support/admiration for disgusting past-regimes. For this reason, I stuck to using songs that are at least a century old. Every German march used as an icon keyword predates the Nazis' existence. I've also refrained from using any patriotic songs that glorify the Soviet Union, as I considered that too close to the present.
If you've read this far, thank you for bearing with me. I hope you find these notes enlightening.
MacDermott's War Song
You likely have never heard this song. Here's a performance of it on youtube:
The context of this song is from 1877 to 1878, the Russian Empire was in a war against the Ottoman Empire in what is today called the Russo-Turkish War. The war was fought because the Ottoman Empire held a large amount of territory in the Balkans, present day Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, etc. A Bulgarian uprising was put down harshly by the Ottoman forces, leading to the deaths of about 30,000 - 100,000 people. This lead to a declaration of war on the Ottomans from Serbia and Montenegro, and eventually Russia. On paper the Russian and Ottoman armies were about evenly-matched, but the Ottoman's passive tactics gave way to large Russian victories, to the point Russia looked poised to seize Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Initial opinion was very anti-Ottoman because of the news of Turkish atrocities. This was at conflict with the interests of the British Government. The British of the Victorian Era had a vested interest in keeping the Ottoman Empire intact. They had many investments there, and as long as it remained strong, their trade routes to India, which they desperately needed to maintain, would be safe. It was therefore not entirely in Britain's national interests for the Ottomans to lose the war, at least not severely.
However, it was very much in Russian interests to seize Constantinople. Having Constantinople would give Russia unrestricted access to the Bosporus Straight that connects the Black Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. This would have been a great boon to Russian trade and naval power. Furthermore, it would have absolutely crippled the Ottoman Empire for the same reasons. As such, when the Russians appeared to be winning the war to the extent they could seize Constantinople, the British Empire was determined not to allow it.
By coincidence, British performer G.H. MacDermott purchased this song and had popularized it by performing in music halls. It became immensely popular: it's a very catchy song! It's also very anti-Russian, pro-Turkish, and supported British militarism and British intervention in the war. It so closely followed British national interests that it was legitimized when MacDermott was asked to perform it for the Prince of Wales. (The future King Edward VII.)
The chorus is as follows:
We don't want to fight,
but, by Jingo, if we do.
We've got the ships,
we've got the men,
we've got the money too.
We've fought the Bear before,
and while we're Britons true,
the Russians shall not have Constantinople.
The song is remembered today for introducing the term "Jingoism," a term which arose in reference to this song. "Jingoism," is used to describe extreme, blind nationalism to the point the common person supports their country's militaristic goals even without comprehending why they have those goals. Did it matter to the common British citizen that Russia not have Constantinople? Probably not, but the song doesn't really inspire you to question that.
In the end, the Russians in fact did not march on Constantinople. The British sent a fleet of battleships to patrol the coast of the Black Sea where the Russians were present, an indirect threat that there would be war if the Russian offensive continued. The Russians got the point, and backed down. A treaty that ended the war would soon follow.
Given the song is a reference to blind, violent loyalty, I thought it appropriate to use for an icon where Nonon is not yet fighting, but is clearly looking threatening and wants to do so.
Here's a more in-depth analysis of the lyrics for those interested. Also note that if you look up other performances of this song on youtube, you're likely to find old phonograph recordings of an updated version made for World War I. This one removes the anti-Russian imagery and substitutes anti-German imagery, as well as changes part of the chorus from: "We don't want to fight, but by Jingo if we do," to "We didn't want to fight, but by Jingo, now we do!"
The "Dogs of War" are loose and the rugged Russian Bear,
[Reference to Russia as 'the Bear' continue to this day.]
Full bent on blood and misery has crawled out of his lair.
It seems a thrashing now and then, will never help to tame.
That brute, and so he's out upon the "same old game".
[A reference to the term "The Great Game," the name given for the competitions of political power plays between the British and Russian Empires for control of Central Asia throughout most of the 19th century and part of the early 20th century. Both had vested interest in the area. Think of it as a 19th century Cold War and it wouldn't be entirely wrong.]
The Lion did his best, to find him some excuse;
[Reference to Britain as a 'Lion' don't really exist anymore with the collapse of the British Empire.]
To crawl back to his den again. All efforts were no use.
He hungered for his victim. He's pleased when blood is shed.
But let us hope his efforts may all recoil on his own head.
Chorus:
We don't want to fight,
but, by Jingo, if we do,
["By Jingo," is a stand in for "by Jesus," like saying "shoot" instead of "shit," basically.]
We've got the ships,
we've got the men,
we've got the money too!
We've fought the Bear before... and while we're Britons true,
["Fought the Bear before," is a reference to the Crimean War, where all of Europe went to war with Russia over another conflict they had with the Ottoman Empire. Exactly for the same reasons: the rest of Europe didn't want the Russians to gain by the Ottomans being weakened.]
The Russians shall not have Constantinople.
The misdeeds of the Turks have been "spouted" through all lands,
[A reference to the anti-Turkish feelings in light of their atrocities in modern Bulgaria. Attempting to discount them.]
But what about the Russians, can they show spotless hands?
They slaughtered well at Khiva, in Siberia icy cold.
[A reference to the Russian invasion of the city of Khiva in modern Uzbekistan in 1873.]
How many subjects perished there we'll ne'er perhaps be told.
They butchered the Circassians, man, woman, yes, and child.
[A reference to a very long Russian conflict with Circassia in the Northwest Caucasus and the eventual displacement of the people there in 1864.]
With cruelties their Generals their murderous hours beguiled,
And poor unhappy Poland their cruel yoke must bear,
[Modern Poland at the time was partitioned between Germany and Russia, with most of it under control of Russia. All of these are attempts to demonize Russia.]
While prayers for "Freedom and Revenge" go up into the air.
(Chorus)
May he who began the quarrel soon have to bite the dust.
[A subtle line to paint Russia as the aggressor.]
The Turk should be thrice armed for "he hath his quarrel just."
'Tis sad that countless thousands should die through cruel war,
But let us hope most fervently ere long it shall be o'er.
Let them be warned: Old England is brave Old England still.
We've proved our might, we've claimed our right, and ever, ever will.
[Britain was the undisputed world power during the Victorian Era.]
Should we have to draw the sword, our way to victory we'll forge,
With the Battle cry of Britons: "Old England and St. George!"
[Saint George was a Christian crusader and considered the "patron saint of England," whose emblem of a red cross on a white background became the flag of England (and many other places) and the imagery is still seen on the modern UK flag. Patriotic imagery.]
(Chorus)
