2009 Student Research Conference:
22nd Annual Student Research Conference

A Musical Analysis of Northern Ireland and the Events of Bloody Sunday
Lindsey J. Gill
Dr. Marc Rice, Faculty Mentor

This paper focuses on the musical reaction to the events of Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland. It first examines the history of the region and the tensions between the Catholic and Protestant communities. It describes the breakout of violence in the 1960s, focusing in particular on the events leading up to Bloody Sunday. The remainder of the paper examines the varying reactions to the massacre, including an analysis of three pieces that were written in response to the event by the artists John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and U2. A musical analysis of each work follows that illuminates the use of certain elements to express a feeling or message related to the violence and tragedy of the event.

Keywords: Northern Ireland, Bloody Sunday, protest music

Topic(s):Interdisciplinary

Presentation Type: Oral Paper

Session: 2-5
Location: OP 2113
Time: 9:15

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