Progressive rock behind the Iron Curtain - why not?

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Écrit par Kalina Zahova

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Progressive Rock behind the Iron Curtain - Why Not?

I would like to trace the tendencies of progressive rock in Central and Eastern Europe, not so much as factual information and encyclopedic details, but more in their sociocultural, political, and regional aspects.

The main focus of my work is Bulgaria - a case specific with its significant lack of progressive rock development in the 1970s and 1980s (with very few sporadic exceptions). Examining this case, I have searched official and unofficial archives, and have already conducted a series of meetings with Bulgarian musicians and journalists, who confirmed this general lack and suggested possible explanations of it.

A comparison of the Bulgarian case with other countries behind the Iron Curtain with vibrant and distinctive prog rock raises a number of thought-provoking questions, such as:

¨      What factors stimulated the development of progressive rock, and what factors hindered it?

¨      What was the role of socialist censorship and political regime?

¨      Why was the situation different in different socialist countries?

¨      What local/regional factors could be considered important?

¨      Can we speak of "Westernness" of progressive rock?

¨      What is the role of language?

¨      What is the role of musical training and technical availability?

¨      Was reception determined, determining, or irrelevant?

I would greatly appreciate the suggestions and cooperation of anyone who has interest in Central and Eastern Europe.