The influence of Romanticism on Latin American arts and music
- The sound of Experiment
- Oct 22, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 23, 2024
Rainy season in the tropics. Frederic Edwin Church. 1866.
Introduction
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.
Romanticism was one of the most important movements in the history of art and literature, and played an important role in Latin America as well. Romanticism first appeared in the 19th century and gave rise to a new way of perceiving art and culture. In Latin America, this movement took on distinctive characteristics, expressing the specificities, aspirations and experiences of Latin American peoples. Romanticism in Latin America was an attempt to highlight the identity, history and culture of the region, inspired by nature, exoticism and social reality. Through art, literature and music, romance in Latin America has been a means of expression in the quest for freedom, passionate love, patriotic devotion and spiritual independence.
History
Romanticism appeared in Latin America in the 19th century, influenced by political and social events of the time. The countries of Latin America independent of Spain lived in a complex political context, with wars, upheavals and the search for national identity. Romanticism reflects this climate of uncertainty and inquiry, seeking to express political concerns and the desire for freedom. The poets, writers and artists of the time depicted regional identity, the exoticness of the landscape and the reality of social inequalities. Romanticism in Latin America highlighted a passionate love of nature, an emphasis on inner and emotional experience, and resistance against social injustices and restrictive social structures. This social and political context shaped the aesthetic and intellectual evolution of romanticism in Latin America.
Arts
Romanticism had a strong influence on various art forms in Latin America. In literature, poets and writers expressed feelings, passions and inner quests through poetry and prose. The painters depicted natural landscapes, portraits and scenes from everyday life with an emphasis on emotions and atmosphere. In addition, romanticism influenced architecture, sculpture and theater, incorporating the atmosphere of fairytale and fantasy in the works.
Notable representatives
Romanticism in Latin America had many important representatives. Among them, the following stand out: the Argentine journalist José Hernández, the Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni, the Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío, the Cuban poet and writer José Martí, the Chilean poet, diplomat, educator and feminist Gabriela Mistral, the Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa, the Venezuelan-Chilean humanist, diplomat, poet, legislator, philosopher, educator and philologist Andrés Bello, Mexican writer, philosopher, composer and poet of the Baroque period and hieronymist nun Sister Juana Inés de la Cruz, Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges and Peruvian writer Clorinda Matto de Turner.
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
Romanticism had a significant influence on Latin American music, inspiring and influencing musicians to explore new expressive possibilities. The composers of the time expressed the poetic, passive and philosophical principles of romanticism through their music. Their musical creations were inspired by the love for nature, fairy tales, the atmosphere of the past and the expressiveness of emotions. The musicians of the time were distinguished for their use of rich melodies, expressive rhythms and delicate harmonies. The music of romanticism in Latin America reflects the diversity of cultures and traditions of the region, combining local influences with romantic principles and techniques. This coexistence created a rich musical landscape with intense emotional works, where music becomes a means of expressing the inner worlds and cultural identities of Latin America.
Notable Compositions
Danzón No. 2 - Arturo Márquez
Arturo Márquez is a Mexican composer of orchestral music who uses musical forms and styles of his native Mexico and incorporates them into his compositions. Danzón No. 2 is an orchestral composition by Mexican composer. Along with Carlos Chávez's Sinfonia India and Silvestre Revueltas' Sensemaya, Danzón No. 2 is one of the most popular and most commonly performed Mexican orchestral compositions of contemporary classical music.
Stay Suite - Ginastera
Alberto Hinatera was an Argentine composer of classical music. He is considered one of the most important classical composers of the 20th century in America.
Bachianas Brasileiras Αρ. 5 - Villa-Lobos
We continue with the project Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 by Heytor 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.
Hosted - José Pablo Moncayo (1941)
We continue with José Pablo Moncayo's work Huapango. It was written in 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.
Symphony No. 2 “Sinfonia India” - Carlos Chavez
Carlos Antonio de Padua Chávez y Ramírez was a Mexican composer, conductor, music theorist, educator, journalist, and founder and director of the Mexican Symphony Orchestra. It was influenced by indigenous Mexican cultures. Sinfonía india is Symphony No. 2 consists of one movement, but its parts follow the traditional pattern for a three-move symphony.
El Cumbanchero - Rafael Hernández
Rafael Hernández Marín was a Puerto Rican songwriter, author of hundreds of popular songs in the Latin American repertoire. He specialized in Cuban styles such as canción, bolero and guaracha.
Poetic Waltzes - Enrique Granados
Enrique Granados was a Spanish pianist and composer. After receiving his diploma in piano from the Barcelona Conservatory, where he had won first prize in a piano competition in 1883, he began studying composition with Felipe Pedrel, which he later perfected in Paris. The Eight Poetic Waltzes are one of the composer's best-known and most romantic suites. Granados, in his early (and even later) compositions, was very interested in the romantic piano of the moment, and in some of his works the melodic characteristics of Chopin or Schumann are perceived.
The Apparition - LECUONA
Ernesto Lecuona was a Cuban composer and pianist whose works have become models of the Latin, jazz and classical repertoire.
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