Naxos has an agit-prop record
mainFrom the new Naxos releases:
Daniel HERSKEDAL (b. 1982)
Behind the Wall
Elin Torp Meland, Oboe and Cor anglais • Kjell Magne Robak, Cello
Gro Merete Hjertvik, Piano
The music on this recording exudes a warmth and humanity that lifts the spirit at a moment when the threads that bind the communities of our planet are becoming increasingly fragile. Daniel Herskedal has travelled through Syria, Lebanon and Palestine to study and absorb the heritage of a region fractured by conflict, and has created a suite of music that celebrates the depth of ancient traditions, and
the sheer resilience and dignity of a people threatened by forces beyond their control. Through the prism of Ramallah, Behind the Wall evokes these traditions in exquisitely crafted music that is steeped in Daniel’s insight into a culture that is far too often misunderstood by many in the West. But this is far away from being a simple political statement – rather, its strength derives from landscapes visited
and friendships made, reflected by the music’s lyricism and exuberance.
Is the cover art an allusion to the incendiary balloons launched from Gaza?
Sounds very worthwhile. If it sounds half as good musically, they have themselves a winner.
Agitprop seems to be overstating the type of music a bit.
Here is a tuba pop thing by this composer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uM9ks7AhSw
And here is a folky thing, including a rather misplaced tuba, apparently an instrument the composer is enthusiastic about:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEOeyG6hgCU
More simplistic decoration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icTKeLqUwgc
Adding a political sauce to this kind of innocent entertainment does not make it better. It is window dressing, marketing, bla bla, nothing else.
This recording is not agitprop, of course. But describing it as agitprop might itself be agitprop. There’s rather a lot of it on this blog.
Perhaps Mr Lebrecht would care to elaborate?
How is it not?
Agitprop: political propaganda promulgated chiefly in literature, drama, music, or art.
propaganda: ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one’s cause.
And how long will it take before this composer is raked over the coals of Twitter for appropriating indigenous art forms? Ugh.