What movement in music reflects an interest in national cultural identity?

The nationalist movement in music is characterized by composers expressing their cultural identity through their works. This movement emerged in the 19th century as a reaction against the dominance of European musical traditions, particularly those of Germany and Italy. Composers began to incorporate folk themes, traditional melodies, and rhythms from their own countries into their compositions, aiming to showcase their national heritage and cultural nuances.

This interest in national cultural identity reflects a broader historical context where nations were seeking to define and celebrate their uniqueness, especially during periods of political change and the formation of national consciousness. Examples include composers like Béla Bartók and Dmitri Shostakovich, who drew inspiration from their respective folk traditions to create music that resonated with their national identities.

Other movements, while they might address identity on various levels, do not focus specifically on national cultural identity to the same extent. Romanticism, for instance, explores a broad range of emotional expression, whereas modernism and postmodernism often engage with abstraction, innovation, and questioning established norms rather than directly promoting national identity through folk elements.