Can music capture the spirit of an entire country? According to Rick Steves it can! Follow along as he explores the rise of nationalism in classical music and discovers how composers created music that celebrated their homelands. Hear how folk traditions and national identity helped give different countries their own unmistakable musical themes. It’s a journey across Europe where every destination has a story, and its own soundtrack.

This video is part of Symphony in a Suitcase, a free classroom curriculum from Rick Steves, CET Public Television, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra exploring music, history, and culture across Europe. Find the full curriculum, classroom activities, and more videos at https://www.ricksteves.com/symphony. Visit https://www.cetconnect.org/education for more free classroom resources from CET's education team.