What historical period is primarily associated with the nationalist movement in music?

The nationalist movement in music is primarily associated with the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this period, composers sought to express their national identities through music, often incorporating elements of folk songs, traditional dance forms, and indigenous musical styles into their compositions. This movement emerged as nations were increasingly defined by their unique cultural identities, especially in the context of social and political changes, including the rise of nationalism in Europe.

Composers such as Dvořák, Grieg, and Bartók drew inspiration from their national roots, using music as a means to convey cultural pride and to differentiate their work from the dominant influences of German and Italian traditions. The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a time when national pride led to a renewed interest in local and indigenous musical elements, which became a defining characteristic of this movement.

The other historical periods mentioned do not encapsulate the rise of nationalism in music as distinctly. The late 18th-century era mainly revolved around the Classical style, focusing on universality and clarity, while the Middle Ages primarily consisted of sacred music traditions. The early 20th century, while significant, is more often viewed in the context of modernism and experimentation rather than strictly nationalism.