Maria Faust: We are suspiciously quiet and suspiciously entertaining
Maria Faust's new major work, 'March of Lies', addresses propaganda and populism, drawing attention ahead of Estonia's independence day.
Maria Faust's latest composition, 'March of Lies', premiered last night at the Noblessner venue in Estonia, combining saxophone, orchestra, and choir to create a critical commentary on the rising tide of propaganda and populism in society. This performance coincided with Estonia's independence day celebrations, making its themes particularly poignant in a national context. During the event, Faust was honored with the German Music Critics' Annual Award, further highlighting her contributions to contemporary music.
'March of Lies' serves as a conceptual sequel to Faust's previous album, 'Marches rewind & rewritten', where she explored the themes of march music and its societal implications, including hierarchies, dictatorships, and the role of propaganda in music and lyrics. Faust articulated her artistic approach, explaining that she aimed to illuminate the beauty of propaganda music while questioning why it continues to ensnare society. Her reflections suggest a deep engagement with the cultural undercurrents that shape public perception and the power of music as a tool for ideological messaging.
The concert featured the Estonian Military Orchestra and Collegium Musicale choir, creating a collaborative space for critical discussion through art. Faust's work resonates not only within the Estonian context but also as part of a broader global dialogue on the intersections of art, politics, and society. As such, 'March of Lies' is not only an artistic endeavor but also a call to awareness regarding the realities of propaganda in contemporary life.