Power and Entertainment in the Shade of General Anton von Galgótzy - the Contribution of Military Music to the Cultural Life of the Przemyśl Fortress (1891-1905)

Abstract

Although the subject of the Przemyśl Fortress has been incessantly popular for years, little space has been devoted so far to the merging of power and entertainment, whereas for the distribution of power the culture of leisure and its development was vital; developing appropriate habits and tastes as well as promoting appropriate (from the point of view of the authorities) forms of spending free time was by no means neutral in terms of content and form. The article discusses the relations between the Przemyśl garrison under Commandant Anton von Galgótzy (i. e., between 1891 and 1905) and the local civilians. Galgótzy used specific practices, abusing his power, compared with the commandants of other garrison towns. Concerts of military bands were supposed to warm up his image of an all-powerful general and, through appropriately selected repertoire, develop loyalty towards the Imperial-Royal Monarchy on its outskirts.

Keywords

• anton von galgótzy
• przemyśl
• military bands
• bandmasters
• authority
• culture of leisure