Valor and Victory is a music special looking at the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe through the lens of classical music. The war and its aftermath inspired composers to reflect feelings and events of the time and this Special features music that honors the sacrifices of WWII and celebrates victory and the spirit of that era. The end of WWII in Europe is an incredibly important and resonant time in history, and classical music was a significant and sometimes surprising part of life during the war years and after. At a distance of 75 years, this special underscores the peril and power of the times and brings to life the role music played in a hard-won victory.
Join host Andrea Blain as you hear the voice of England's Prime Minister Winston Churchill and find out how Beethoven and Morse Code are forever linked with the hopes and dreams of many nations. There's music by Aaron Copland aimed at inspiring patriotism in America and Benjamin Britten's response to survivors of a concentration camp. Music was used to signal resistance and encourage survival during dark days, and music helped celebrate victory when the War in Europe was over.
Playlist
• Aaron Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man
• Frederic Chopin: 'Military' Polonaise Op. 40 No. 1 in A Major
• Francis Poulenc: from Les Animaux modéles: Le Lion amoureux
• Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time — I. Liturgie de cristal
• Benjamin Britten: from The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, 'Death Be not Proud'
• Giuseppe Verdi: from Requiem — Lachrymosa
• William Walton: Spitfire Prelude
• Marc Blitzstein: Airborne Symphony: I. Theory of Flight
• Sergei Prokofiev: 5th Symphony II. Allegro Marcato
• Zoltan Kodaly: Missa Brevis — Introitus
• Ralph Vaughan-Williams: Thanksgiving for Victory
• Winston Churchill: Speech
• Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, 1st movement
Further resources
Eight interesting facts about V-E Day from Vehicles for Veterans.
"V-E Day 1945: The celebration heard 'round the world" from the Military Times.
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