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Abstract

This thesis examines relationships between the music of the Greek community of Cyprus and the social, economic and political history of the island from the beginning of British colonialism in 1878 to the end of the Second World War in 1945. In particular, it examines the ways in which folk, church, and European art music were practised, promoted and interpreted in the different social strata of Greek Cypriot society during this period. The main primary sources for this research project are items that appeared in the early print media of the island, which are supplemented by a few other publications containing musical material published elsewhere during this period by Cypriots.

The central part of the thesis is divided into three chronologically arranged chapters, the boundaries of which are dictated by historical landmarks in British rule. Chapter Two covers the years 1878–1914 and describes the importation of European art music to Cyprus as a counterpart to the wider establishment of capitalist relations in the island, its promotion by the colonial regime, and its initial reception by Greek Cypriot urban classes. Chapter Three begins in 1914 with the advent of the First World War and traces the rise of Greek Cypriot nationalism in music alongside social and economic developments through the political crisis of 1931, by which point Western forms of musical culture had been firmly established on the island. Chapter Four covers the years 1931–1945, during which Greek Cypriot musical nationalism is further developed and an emergent labour identity finds expression through music. A concluding chapter provides an overall picture of the development of music in Cyprus during the period under investigation, including: discussions about the impact of capitalisation on local musical forms, events and practices; the emergence of European art music and its impact on the local folk and church traditions; the reception of different musical genres by particular social classes; and the place of music in Greek Cypriot nationalism and the Cypriot labour movement.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	M Music and Books on Music > M Music
Departments:	School of Communication & Creativity > Performing Arts > Music Doctoral Theses School of Communication & Creativity > School of Communication & Creativity Doctoral Theses

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