Music has plenty of benefits, regardless of whether you are learning, playing, or simply listening. It is no secret that music aids in relieving stress, improving cognitive performance, and boosting self-confidence. But did you also know that it has the potential to gather and empower people from all walks of life to change the course of history?
In this article, let us share how the citizens in these historical events did not fight with guns and swords — they fought with music, yet they changed the world and won against injustices. Here are three historical moments showcasing the power of music and how it can significantly empower a message.
1. The French Revolution
The French Revolution, which began in 1787 and ended in 1799, aimed to fundamentally alter the relationship between the rulers and those they ruled over. They protested and sought to reshape the essence of political power and promote political change. It is believed that the French Revolution was the beginning of contemporary protest songs. The protesters wrote almost 3,000 revolutionary songs and sang them on the streets, theatres, and opera houses in France as an act of defiance.
The French Revolution impacted France’s social and political system. It overthrew the French monarchy, abolished feudalism, and stripped the Catholic church of political authority. The revolution introduced new concepts to Europe, from ending slavery to promoting human rights.
2. Nueva Canción Chilena
Playing a pivotal role in Chile’s political and social revolutions, Nueva Canción Chilena or the “New Chilean Song,” was a movement that incorporated traditional folk music merged with contemporary sounds. The movement spread like wildfire throughout Latin America and the Iberian peninsula in the 60s and 70s, sparking a universal name, the “Nueva Canción.” The music movement was so powerful that it was the foundation for the win of Chile’s first democratic socialist leader, Salvador Allende, in 1970.
However, when dictator Augusto Pinochet rose to power after three years of Allende’s reign, he outlawed using numerous traditional folk instruments to crush the Nueva Canción movement. Despite Pinochet’s antagonism, Neuva Canción has thrived even today due to the efforts of musicians from all across Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula — using their music to protest against various injustices.
3. The Song of Estonia
Estonia, a country located in Northern Europe, was under the regimen of the Soviet Union, but it did not stop them from voicing out their longing for freedom. In the late 1980s, the Estonians started to fight for their independence, not with guns and violence, but by singing. Estonian national songs were outlawed during Soviet rule, and as citizens were discontented with the ruling, they began to sing these songs as an act of resistance and protest.
In 1988 birthed the “Song of Estonia” festival, bringing together 300,000 citizens to sing their national songs and listen to inspirational speeches from freedom leaders to claim and fight for what was theirs. Courageous Estonians stood their ground and continued singing until Soviet military tanks destroyed television and radio towers. Still, the Estonians did not waver, successfully driving the military away by linking together to form human shields. Without the use of violence, the Estonians finally gained independence on August 20, 1991, after 40 years under the Soviet Union.
Conclusion
The historical events mentioned above prove just how much power music holds. Moreover, the true heroes are the citizens using their voices as a vehicle for change, despite knowing the risks and dangers of fighting for injustices. Just like them, through the art of music, you can learn music today and contribute to making a difference in society someday.
At Studio72, our comprehensive music courses will help you get started on your musical journey. Fancy an instrument? Learn drums from our experts. Sticking to vocals? Check out our vocal classes in Singapore that have helped many people find their singing voices. Find your confidence to be heard with us today!
