Popular Front Music
V. A. Kandelaki. Music: P. Turtygina; Lyrics: S. Alymov
Description: This optimistic song of solidarity expressed the spirit, if not the facts, of republican resistance to the Fascist insurrection.
To the tune of the Varsavienne
Description: Spanish song from the time of the Civil War, sung to the tune of the Varsavienne. The song originated with the Spanish Anarchists, a fact forgotten by Soviet musicians when the song was played there. Subtitled in Spanish.
Ballad of the Eleventh Interbrigade (1936)
Music: G. M. Schneerson; Lyrics: Ernst Busch
Description: The marching song of the brigade of international volunteers who fought on the Republican side during the Spanish Civil War. In German.
Verasy. Music: Hans Eisler. Lyrics: Bertold Brecht
Description: Brecht and Eisler's stirring Einheitsfrontleid became a rallying call for progressive Europeans facing the rising threat of Fascism. This 1974 performance is by Verasy, a Belorussian band whose popular repertoire included many political songs.