Nation and classical music: from Handel to Copland

Developing a comparative analysis of the relationship between western art music, nations and nationalism, this work explores the influence of emergent nations and nationalism on the development of classical music in Europe and North America and examines the distinctive themes, sounds and resonances to be found in the repertory of each of the nations.

Its scope is broad, extending well beyond the period 1848-1914 when national music flourished most conspicuously.