Ciprian Porumbescu (1973): A Cinematic Biography of a “Passionate Patriot Artist”
Ciprian Porumbescu (1973): A Cinematic Biography of a “Passionate Patriot Artist”
Author(s): Cătălin CernătescuSubject(s): Fine Arts / Performing Arts, Music, Film / Cinema / Cinematography
Published by: Editura Universității Naționale de Muzică din București
Keywords: Romanian cinema; patriotic education; church hymn; nationalism;
Summary/Abstract: Embodying the romantic revolutionary artist with poor health and a premature end, the musician Ciprian Porumbescu (1853-1883) was perceived throughout the 20th century as an inspirational model of patriotism. During the communist era he was intensely promoted as a cultural hero of the Romanian nation, his biography becoming a landmark for younger generations. Perfectly mirroring the ideals advocated by nationalist communism, such as nostalgia for the glorious past, the struggle for freedom and national unity or exacerbated patriotism, Porumbescu’s life, presented through an ideological lens, oscillated between historical truth and mythologization. Gheorghe Vitanidis’ screening from 1973 turned Ciprian Porumbescu into one of the most famous Romanian musicians of the time and a propaganda tool with a charismatic allure.
Journal: Musicology Today: Journal of the National University of Music Bucharest
- Issue Year: 15/2024
- Issue No: 60
- Page Range: 299-306
- Page Count: 9
- Language: English
