26th May 2008, 12:15 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by garybrun It would be quite a fascinating archaeological study to see how music has contributed or changed heritage and the development of Nations through the years.
Not sure about archaeological, but certainly anthropological.
The part that Verdi played in the unification of 19th century Italy
is one example from fairly modern history that springs to mind. It was thought by many Italians that there were hidden messages in Verdi's operas and even his name was considered to hide the hidden acronymic message 'Vittorio Emanuele Re d'Italia' (Victor Emmanuel, King of Italy).
In Eurovision terms, I read recently that Franco conspired to rig the 1968 competition (which Spain won with a 'wordless' song 'La La La') so as his regime could bathe in the reflected international glory.
And there is also a story, possibly mythical, that a certain line in the Portugese Eurovision entry in 1974 was supposedly the trigger for the bloodless coup that toppled dictator Salazar.