Music at Sanatoriums in Sweden 1890–1960. A report from an ongoing project. VIRUS - Beiträge zur Sozialgeschichte der Medizin|VIRUS. Beiträge zur Sozialgeschichte der Medizin Band 21. Schwerpunkt: Musik und Medizin|

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This report is on a recently started research project on cultural activities in sanatoriums for the treatment of tuberculosis in Sweden 1890–1960. The project has a multidisciplinary focus, with participation from researchers within art studies, musicology, ethnology, and the history of medicine respectively. The main questions of the project are what music and other cultural activities meant to patients and staff at the sanatoriums and how it affected their well-being and quality of life. The chosen period is 1890–1960, starting when sanatoriums with a special focus on tuberculosis began to be established, and ending at a time when many sanatoriums were closed down, as the need for this type of healthcare institution no longer existed. Tuberculosis is a disease with a long history. It became widespread in Sweden as well as in many other European countries from the mid 19th century onward, partly due to the industrialization and its consequences such as cramped living conditions in overcrowded cities.1 Gradually, many sanatoriums were established throughout the country, with a total of more than 100, in varying sizes, run by private companies as well as by the state.