61

In order to grasp one of the relations between music and politics, some situations of oppression are studied and a form of artistic reaction, the portrait, is scrutinized. Irony, as a way to make a discreet sign and to whisper something among bigger sounds is the main device studied, two types of which are distinguished. Firstly, an ironical conformism based on emphasis and functioning mechanically like a parrot, or relying on pomposity, like a bad comedian. Secondly, irony of a neutral kind, understood as mirror-like conformity. Examples are taken from the works of Haydn, Mozart and Shostakovich.