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Lecture

Patrick Bade
Songs of Separation: Love Songs from the Second World War

Sunday 28.09.2025

How to watch

This lecture starts on 28 September at 5:00pm (UK).

Summary

The most remembered songs of the Second World War are very different from those of the previous war—less jingoistic and patriotic. Whether British, French, or German—”We’ll Meet Again,” “Je t'attends,” “Ich weiss, wir werden uns wiedersehen”—the best songs of World War II are about the separation of loved ones and the longing for reunion.

Patrick Bade

An image of Patrick Bade.

Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.