Regionalism
- The sound of Experiment
- Oct 22, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 23, 2024
Popular History of Mexico. Mosaic. Diego Rivera. 1953
Introduction Latin America
Latin America, this amazingly diverse and beautiful continental space, is a region that has been enriched with diverse cultural, historical and geographical features. Located in South America, it comprises 20 independent countries and three overseas territories, each of which carries its own unique cultural heritage and historical tradition. From the mountainous peaks of the Andes to the expanses of the Amazon forest, from the ancient Mayan pyramids in Mexico to the vibrant beaches of Brazil, Latin America is a cultural treasure distinguished by the variety of languages, traditions, rituals and expressions it hosts. This is also recognised for the diversity of peoples that inhabit it, with the presence of a mix of indigenous, European, African and other cultural influences that shape its diverse and unique identity. With a rich history, vibrant art, musical tradition, rich literary tradition and pioneering social dynamics, Latin America is an unforgettable destination for exploration and discovery. The late 19th century in Latin America marked a period of great change and challenges. During this era, Latin American countries experienced intense political and social upheaval. This period coincided with the liberation of many countries from Spanish and Portuguese colonialism, as well as with the rise of nationalist movements. Political changes have triggered a climate of search for identity and cultural identity. The late 19th century also saw an emphasis on education and the development of education systems, resulting in the emergence of a new educated elite that influenced the culture and arts of the region. This period was also important for the development of literature, painting and music, as new artists emerged who expressed the cultural heritage and identity of the region through their works. This period of the late 19th century contributed to the formation of a new intellectual and cultural identity in Latin America, which would influence the course of the region in the 20th century.
Introduction to the regionalism movement
The movement of regionalism in Latin America emerged as a response to the Eurocentrism of the time and sought to highlight and recognize the local identity and culture of the peoples of the region. The movement focused on the depiction of local traditions, the natural environment, folk customs and everyday life, in order to highlight the rich cultural heritage and diversity of national and regional cultures in Latin America. Through painting, literature, music and other arts, the artists of the movement sought to highlight the diversity and personality of each region, showcasing the local culture with pride and authenticity. The regionalist movement faced criticism for its exaggerated idealistic portrayal of reality, but contributed to strengthening regional identity and renewing art and culture in Latin America.
Historic Overview
The movement of regionalism in Latin America emerged mainly in the mid and late 19th century, against Eurocentrism and the prevailing European art and culture. Many Latin American countries, liberated from colonialism, were finding their new identity and looking for ways to showcase their cultural heritage. The movement was closely associated with growing nationalism and attempts to revive local traditions and identity. The artists of the movement approached the people, the natural landscapes, the folk traditions and the customs of everyday people, highlighting the variety and rich cultural heritage of each region. The movement had a strong social dimension, highlighting the inequalities, social conflicts and problems faced by the communities of the region. The regionalism movement contributed to the formation of a more authentic and local art and culture in Latin America and greatly influenced the development of local identity and the recognition of the region's cultural diversity.
Arts
The regionalism movement had a significant impact on Latin American art, as it promoted the recognition and promotion of local and regional culture. The artists examined and depicted the local landscapes, customs and traditions, traditions and daily life of people in different regions. From rural communities in the mountains to towns and coastal areas, the artists aimed to highlight the diversity and rich cultural heritage of each local community. The art of regionalism influenced the development of a more authentic and local style, restoring the identity and universality of local cultures and highlighting their uniqueness and beauty. This art strengthened the consciousness of local identity and highlighted the social reality, inequalities and challenges faced by communities in these areas.
Notable representatives
Regionalism in Latin America had many main representatives. Some of them include: Diego Rivera (Mexico): One of the best-known painters of Mexican culture and leader of the Mexican muralism movement, Frida Kahlo (Mexico): An important painter who depicted Mexican identity and her personal experience through her art, José Clemente Orozco (Mexico): Painter and muralist who presented political and social issues through his works, Jorge Amado (Brazil): Writer who described the life and traditions of the Brazilian people in his novels; Rómulo Gallegos (Venezuela): Writer who portrayed the social and political reality of Venezuela through his works; José María Arguedas (Peru): Writer focusing on the ethnological and cultural aspects of Peru and indigenous peoples; Juan Rulfo (Mexico): Writer who depicted rural life and the difficulties of Mexican space through his stories, Ciro Alegría (Peru): Writer who represented the influence of cultural heritage citizenship on contemporary Peruvian society, Alfonso Reyes (Mexico): Writer and diplomat who highlighted Mexican culture and history through his literature and Gabriela Mistral (Chile): A poet who represented the intellectual heritage of Chile and expresses it through her poetry. These artists played an important role in shaping and developing the regionalism movement in Latin America and contributed to highlighting the region's local identity and cultural diversity.
Music
Latin American music during the late 19th century reflects the diversity and culturally rich heritage of the region. Each country expresses its unique musical tradition, influenced by history, language, cultural factors and ethnic influences. In Mexico, music of the late nineteenth century included a rich mix of indigenous, European, and folk influences. Traditional Mexican genres such as mariachi, son, and various indigenous musical traditions played an important role in shaping the music scene. The influence of Spanish colonial music and European classical music also contributed to the country's diverse musical landscape. The music of late nineteenth-century Brazil incorporated a variety of styles, including samba, bossa nova, and the music of the Brazilian rural working class known as "modinha". African rhythms and melodies blend with Portuguese influences to create a live tapestry music. In addition, classical music was influenced by European musical traditions. In Cuba, the end of the nineteenth century saw the rise of the "Trova" movement, which combined Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. The iconic "Son Cubano" was also developed during this period, combining African rhythms with melodic elements of Spanish music. At the end of the nineteenth century, Peruvian music underwent major transformations that reflected the cultural and social dynamics of the country. This period witnessed a combination of indigenous, European and African influences, creating a diverse and vibrant musical landscape. A prominent species that appeared during this period was the "Marinera". Originating from coastal areas, particularly Lima, Marinera combined indigenous styles with Spanish and Afro-Peruvian influences. It contained intricate legs, lively melodies, and poetic lyrics that often celebrated love and national pride. Marinera remains one of Peru's most beloved traditional dances and continues to be performed in a variety of settings, including festivals and cultural events. Another important musical genre of the late nineteenth century in Peru was "Huayno". Originating in the highlands of the Andes, the Huayno incorporated indigenous rhythms, traditional instruments such as the charango (a small stringed instrument) and Quechua or Aymara lyrics. It reflected the experiences and traditions of indigenous communities, conveying stories of everyday life, nature and cultural heritage. Huayno has evolved over time and continues to be an important part of Peru's folk music repertoire. During this period, Western classical music also gained popularity among Peru's elite and middle class. Works by European composers were performed in concert halls and theaters, and local composers began to appear, combining European musical techniques with Peruvian elements. Notable composers such as José María Valle Riestra and Pedro Ximénez Abril were influential figures in promoting classical music and composing pieces that reflected Peruvian themes and styles. The late nineteenth century Peru witnessed a fusion of various musical influences, resulting in a rich and diverse musical heritage. The blending of indigenous, European and African elements created unique musical expressions that celebrated Peru's cultural diversity and reflected its historical and social context.
Influence of the movement on Music
The regionalist movement in Latin America had a significant influence on the music of the region. The musicians who belonged to this movement sought to depict and express the local culture, traditions and landscapes through their music. They used traditional musical instruments, rhythms and melodies that were characteristic of each region. The lyrics of the songs often had themes that reflected local life, the political situation, social inequality or historical events. In this way, the musicians of the regionalism movement contributed to the revival and promotion of local cultures and the recognition of Latin America's cultural diversity.
Notable Compositions
The Condor Passes by - Daniel Alomia Robles
Daniel Alomia Robles's music is based on the music of the Andes, the traditional music of Peru. The song became widely known and reached the top music rankings worldwide when Simon & Garfunkel presented it to us with English lyrics – El Cóndor Pasa (If I could). To this day, it is considered the best-known Peruvian song with English-language lyrics.
Hosted - José Pablo Moncayo (1941)
José Pablo Moncayo García was a Mexican pianist, percussionist, music teacher, composer and conductor. "As a composer, José Pablo Moncayo represents one of the most important legacies of Mexican nationalism in art music, after Silvestre Revueltas and Carlos Chávez. Huapango is a symphonic work closely linked to Mexico's nationalist cultural and audiovisual production, so much so that it is considered the second Mexican National Anthem. It was composed by reinterpreting traditional huapango rhythms, mainly from Veracruz, and pieces from this region such as El siquisirí, El Balajú and El gavilancillo. A careful listening to this work will allow us to discover that the composer from Guadalajara managed to convey to the orchestra some of the sounds of the typical orchestral ensemble of the huapango.
LA CUMPARSITA - Gerardo Matos
Gerardo Hernán Matos Rodríguez, also known as Becho, was a Uruguayan musician, composer and journalist.
Bachianas Brasileiras Αρ. 5 - Villa-Lobos
Heitor Villa Lobos was a Brazilian composer, the most important of his country in the 20th century, the first South American creator of art music, to gain international fame and probably the most important.
Old Horse - Simon Diaz
Simon Diaz was a Venezuelan singer and Grammy-winning composer of Venezuelan music. Caballo viejo (old horse) is a popular Venezuelan song.
El Choclo - Ángel Villoldo
Ángel Villaldo (16 February 1861 – 14 October 1919) was an Argentine musician and one of the pioneers of tango music. The Corn is a popular song supposedly written in his honor and took its title from the nickname of the owner of a nightclub, who was known as "El Choclo". It is one of the most popular tangoes in Argentina.
La Llorona (The Crying Woman) - Angela Aguilar
Angela Aguillar (born October 8, 2003) is a Mexican-American singer. She was born in Los Angeles while her mother accompanied her father, Pepe Aguilar, on the tour. Aguilar gained notable recognition after her performance of The Crying Woman at the 19th annual Latin Grammy Awards in 2019. The Crying Woman is a Mexican folk song derived from the legend of the same name. There are many versions of the song. Its origins are unclear, but, around 1941, composer Andres Henestrosa reported hearing the song on the Tehuantepec Isthmus. He published the song and perhaps added to the existing lyrics.
Bambuco - Guillermo Uribe Holguín
Guillermo Uribe Holgin was a Colombian composer and violinist and one of the most important Colombian cultural figures of his generation. He composed richly in many genres and founded the National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia
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