Musik und Gemeinschaft einer Nation im Werden : Die Einführung der Kunstmusik in Island in der Zeit von ca. 1800 bis 1920

Sammanfattning: This dissertation is a study of the process of change in the field of music in Iceland from ca. 1800 until 1920.In the 19th century significant socio-economical changes took place in Iceland. Once a farming society, Iceland transformed into a country dependent upon its fishing industry. As more and more people moved to the coast, where small villages were arising, new premises for musical life were created. Politically, Iceland was leaning towards an independence from Denmark. At the same time the two countries maintained a sound contact on the cultural level.From a socio-cultural point of view, the study focuses on four aspects of the introduction of art music in 19th century Iceland: the conceptions about music of five Icelanders from five generations; the beginning of public concerts in Reykjavík; the musical repertoire performed at the concerts in Reykjavík from 1881 until 1920; the reception of the art music in contemporary newspapers.The study shows that the ideas of art music first were introduced in Iceland through writings in connection with the ideas of the Enlightenment. The knowledge of elementary music theory and singing in parts was regarded as an important educational contribution to the entire country’s population. In the second half of the 19th century the first choirs were founded and from the beginning of the 1880’s public concerts in Reykjavík were given on a regular basis. The repertoire performed was foremost choir music, solo songs and chamber music. During that time and until 1920 most of the musical compositions were initially of foreign origin, but Icelandic musical works were more frequently created and performed. The reception of the art music was influenced by the country’s involvement in becoming independent, with the Icelandic language and strong Icelandic literary tradition being of major importance.