It's often been said that World War One created who we are today: geopolitically and culturally. Contributor Robert Harris explains how music -- classical and popular -- both prefigured and reflected the war in the years leading up to the unprecedented destruction and after.

Music featured in the program:

Pack All Your Troubles, performed by Reinald Werrenrath from the CD Songs of World War One, Take Two Records TT501.

The Fourth of August, performed by Scottish National Orchestra Choir, from the CD Edward Elgar: Coronation Ode/Spirit of England, Chandon 8430.

Cello Concerto in E Minor by Edward Elgar, performed by Jacqueline du Pre from the CD Concerto Collection, EMI 7243 5 67343 2 6.

String Quartet Number 2 (first movement) by Arnold Schoenberg, performed by Schoenberg Quartet, Chan 9939 (5).

Five Pieces for Orchestra (first/second movement), by Arnold Schonberg, performed by Pierre Boulez, from the CD Arnold Schoenberg, SMK 48 463.

The Rite of Spring, by Igor Stravinsky, performed by Kirov Orchestra, from the CD The Rite of Spring, Stravinsky, Philips 468 035-2.

Marche du Soldat by Igor Stravinsky, performed by Ensemble Instrumental de Basse Normandie, from the CD L'histoire du Soldat, Forlane UCD 16580.

Parade, by Eric Satie, performed by Orchestre Symphonique et Lyrique de Nancy, from the CD Erik Satie Orchestral Works, Relache 8.554279.

Memphis Blues, performed by James Reese Europe and the Hellfighters, from the CD James Reese Europe Featuring Noble Sissle, Iajrc Records CD 1012.

On Patrol, performed by James Reese Europe and the Hellfighters from the CD James Reese Europe Featuring Noble Sissle, Iajrc Records CD 1012.

I Didn't Raise My Boy to be a Soldier, performed by Peerless Quartet from the CD 1915 They'd Sooner Sleep on Thistles, Archeophone 9011.