Music and National Identity in Central Europe: Between the East and the West

Social systems undergo transformations, which in turn reshape prevailing conceptions of identity. These shifts could be observed in the past in the transition from monarchical cosmopolitanism – rooted in hierarchical hegemonies – to notions of national identity grounded in the self-definition of smaller groups within larger entities. In more recent contexts, identity has increasingly been framed within broader collective paradigms, reflecting contemporary global trends toward cultural convergence, exchange, dialogue and integration.This study explores the role of music as a medium of national self-identification within the framework of nationalist worldviews. It examines how the cultural and political transformations of Central Europe – particularly the territory of present-day Slovakia – have shaped the functions and meanings of music in various historical contexts. By tracing developments from various medieval state entities through the Austro-Hungarian period, the establishment of Czechoslovakia, the communist era, and the emergence of Slovak independence after 1993, the study highlights key moments that illustrate the impact of major political shifts on the musical culture. Special attention is given to how Slovak composers responded to these changes and to the challenges posed by European and global cultural trends. Positioned at the symbolic crossroads between East and West, Slovakia offers a unique lens through which to examine the interplay of music, identity, and history in the region. The study is based on a qualitative analysis of sources within an interdisciplinary framework that combines musicological and sociological approaches, with an emphasis on the broader socio-cultural context.