Celia Applegate Knihy

In this book, Celia Applegate asks why the 1829 performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion crystallized the hitherto inchoate notion that music was central to Germans' collective identity.

"This elegant and original study adds greatly to our understanding of national and regional identities in modern German history and the ways that these were constructed. It is imaginatively researched, intelligently argued, and written with panache. A Nation of Provincials is a major historical work that has much to contribute to larger contemporary debates about a 'usable' German past."--David Blackbourn, University of London "This impeccably and thoroughly researched study is an excellent example of historical scholarship. Applegate has quite imaginatively used a wide variety of primary and secondary sources. This is a pioneering work that will stand alone in its field for some time."--Gary D. Stark, University of Texas, Arlington

Focusing on the evolution of music in Germany from the eighteenth to the twentieth century, Celia Applegate examines the cultural significance and diverse perspectives surrounding music during this period. The book delves into how music shaped and reflected societal values, highlighting the intricate relationship between German identity and musical expression. Through historical analysis, it reveals the importance of music in both personal and collective experiences.

In The Necessity of Music, Celia Applegate explores the many ways that Germans thought about and made music from the eighteenth- to twentieth-centuries.