Theories of the singing revolution: An historical analysis of the role of music in the Estonian independence movement

This paper uses historical analysisto qualitatively connect various general theories of social movements to the music and historical events of Estonia's break from the Soviet Union, called the Singing Revolution. The analysis highlights the social dimensions of music in traditional and contemporary song festivals, composition, performance, and audience. I show that music generally played a dynamic role in the revolution, regardless of the theoretical perspective used to describe the events. The powerful function of music in resource mobilization, intergenerational activism, identity work, and free spaces is confirmed.

Theories of the singing revolution: An historical analysis of the role of music in the Estonian independence movement Academic Article