The concept of Socialist Realism originated in the former USSR, and appeared as a result of the Communist party’s intention to control all aspects of cultural life in Russia and in other countries in the Soviet Union (Reyland, 2001). In 1932, the Communist party took total control over art and music and put demands and limitations on creative artists to produce works that displayed an imposed reality rather than abstract themes and subjects (Huseynova, 2016). Cooperation with the new government promised composers, writers, and painters the benefits of state protection. However, if the artists refused to adapt their views and creative works to the new ideology, they risked being condemned and punished by the government. Socialist realism had
…show more content…
But having realized the persuasive power of the arts, communist leaders started to use the arts to spread propaganda. Music was the most favorable tool in achieving the Communist Party’s goals (Smrz, 2003). Since the interpretation of music could be more abstract and did not require literacy or a high level of education, communist leaders made the opera and musical theaters available for all social classes. Mills (2013) states that the role of music shifted “from a role of entertainment for the upper class to a role of education for the working class” (p. 28). Since the new government intended to control the education of masses, it intervened by imposing limitations on composers’ …show more content…
Since socialist realism was aimed at creating a successful and glorious image of socialism, the artistic purpose of all artists was to praise the existing regime and its leaders. According to Mills (2013), “The Soviets were fascinated with the practice of worshiping and idolizing individuals, and under Stalin revamped their entire culture to reflect this and glorify the spectacular individual as a model for the society as a whole” (p. 40). Thus, during the socialist realism era composers were prohibited to write on abstract themes and encouraged to cultivate the concrete image of the successful and flourishing Communist state led by a strong and determined leader (Huseynova,
But having realized the persuasive power of the arts, communist leaders started to use the arts to spread propaganda. Music was the most favorable tool in achieving the Communist Party’s goals (Smrz, 2003). Since the interpretation of music could be more abstract and did not require literacy or a high level of education, communist leaders made the opera and musical theaters available for all social classes. Mills (2013) states that the role of music shifted “from a role of entertainment for the upper class to a role of education for the working class” (p. 28). Since the new government intended to control the education of masses, it intervened by imposing limitations on composers’ …show more content…
Since socialist realism was aimed at creating a successful and glorious image of socialism, the artistic purpose of all artists was to praise the existing regime and its leaders. According to Mills (2013), “The Soviets were fascinated with the practice of worshiping and idolizing individuals, and under Stalin revamped their entire culture to reflect this and glorify the spectacular individual as a model for the society as a whole” (p. 40). Thus, during the socialist realism era composers were prohibited to write on abstract themes and encouraged to cultivate the concrete image of the successful and flourishing Communist state led by a strong and determined leader (Huseynova,