The influence of symbolism on Latin American arts and music
- The sound of Experiment
- Oct 22, 2024
- 7 min read
The influence of symbolism on Latin American arts and music
Written by Anthi Georgiadou
The Cry (El grito). Oswaldo Guayasamín: Guayasamín's powerful painting depicts the anguish and suffering of humanity through distorted and expressive figures, conveying a symbolic message of social and political injustice.
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 movement
Symbolism is an important movement in Latin American art, influencing various forms of art, including painting, sculpture, literature, and film. Symbolism emerged during the 19th century, as a reaction to the realism and natural-scientific way of thinking that prevailed at the time. Symbolist artists sought to express inner truths, dreams and mental states through symbolic images and allegories. In Latin America, symbolism has given rise to a rich range of artistic works that reflect the specificities, cultural influences and social conditions of the region. The artists combined local symbols, traditions and spiritual elements with personal expressions, creating works that highlighted Latin American identity and culture. With the presence of symbolic elements, allegories and mythological references, symbolism shaped a rich and multidimensional artistic language in Latin America.
History
Symbolism entered Latin America during the 19th century, at a time when the region was facing significant social and political changes. The independence movement had led to liberation from Spanish and Portuguese colonialism and had laid the groundwork for the creation of independent Latin American countries. Symbolism represented a new breath of life in art, which faced rebellion and the transition to a new era. The artists sought identity and national culture, influenced by the romanticism and symbolism that emerged in Europe. After independence, symbolism evolved into a polymorphic movement, absorbing local elements, folk traditions and spiritual expressions, and creating a unique and complex artistic landscape in Latin America.
Influence on Arts
Symbolism had a profound influence on Latin America's various art forms, including painting, sculpture, literature, and music. The artists adopted symbolic elements and symbolic references to express ideas, emotions and social messages. In painting, artists used symbols and allegories to capture metaphorical and symbolic messages. The images often allegorically depicted the nations, traditions and history of Latin America. They also had a strong symbolic charge and represented emotions and human situations. In sculpture, artists created works that depicted symbolic forms and symbolic elements. The sculptural figures often conveyed messages about identity, faith, tradition and the history of peoples. In literature, symbolism appeared through metaphorical language, poetic images and allegories. The authors used symbolic elements to represent the inner states, ideas, and spiritual quests of their characters.
Notable representatives
The main representatives of symbolism in Latin America were: the 19th-century Mexican polymath José María Velasco Gómez who is most famous as a painter who made Mexican geography a symbol of national identity through his works; the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo who was influenced by various European movements such as Realism; Symbolism and Surrealism. Several of her works are self-portraits, through which her personal pain and sexuality are expressed. the Mexican painter Diego Rivera, who became known mainly for his large murals in public buildings in Mexico but also in buildings in the USA, which depict both the history and society of Mexico and general social issues, the Mexican painter of the Zapotec heritage Rufino Tamayo. the Argentine writer and one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century Jorge Luis Borges. the Mexican poet and diplomat Octavio Paz. and the internationally renowned Brazilian composer, conductor and violinist Claudio Santoro.
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
In terms of music, symbolism influenced Latin American music in several ways. Composers expressed their feelings and ideas through symbolic musical languages and techniques. The musical creations included poetic elements, allegories and references to mythical characters or traditional symbols. The works were a way to convey political, social and cultural messages, highlighting the identity and experiences of Latin American culture. The influences of symbolism were seen in various musical genres, such as classical music, folk music, tango and folklore. In this way, symbolism contributed to the creation of a rich and expressive musical tradition in Latin America.
Notable Compositions
The Condor Passes by
His 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.
Dance of the Donosa Girl - 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. The work The Dance of Donosa is part of Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2, a set of three dances for solo piano.
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.
Hosted by 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.
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.
La Flor De La Canela - C. Granda
Chabuca Granda was a Peruvian singer and composer. He created and performed a huge number of Criollo waltzes with Afro-Peruvian rhythms. Cinnamon Blossom is a Peruvian waltz that has become one of Peru's most representative songs.
Bemba Colorá - Celia Cruz
Ursula Ilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso, known as Celia Cruz, was a Cuban singer and one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century.
Sensemaya - Silvestre Revueltas
Silvestre Revueltas was a Mexican classical composer, violinist and conductor. Sensemayá is a composition for orchestra based on the poem of the same title by the Cuban poet Nicolás Guillén. It is one of Revueltas' most famous compositions.
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