MUS 127: Classical Music in Latin America

European Influence in Latin America

• European composers were employed by the Catholic Church to create music in the Americas during the Colonial period.
• The predominant style of these composers was Baroque.
• Some European composers incorporated Native language lyrics into their compositions.

Notable Composers

• Gaspar Fernandez, a Portuguese composer, worked in Mexico and contributed to the musical landscape.
• Manuel de Sumaya, another important figure, was born in Mexico, reflecting local musical traditions.
• José Mauricio de Nunez Garcia was both a composer and a priest, born in Brazil, showcasing the intertwining of music and religion.

Religious and Cultural Context

• The majority of music from the Colonial era in the Americas was centered around religious themes.
• Countries like Brazil and Peru also experienced rich musical development during this time.

Development of Opera

• Opera became significant in the Americas during the 19th century, expanding the musical repertoire.
• The Teatro Solis, located in Montevideo, Uruguay, is one of the notable opera houses from this period.
• Antonio Carlos Gomes, an opera composer from Brazil, achieved acclaim in Italy with works like "Il Guarany."

Important Figures and Dates

• Domenico Zipoli, a key European composer, was born in Italy and worked in South America.
• Manuel Ponce, a prominent Mexican composer, was born in 1882.
• Manuel de Falla was born on November 23, 1876, in Spain, while Heitor Villa-Lobos was born on March 5, 1887, in Brazil.
• Cuban composer Leo Brouwer was born on March 1, 1939, in Havana.

Mexican and Argentine Composers

• Key Mexican composers include Carlos Chavez, Manuel Ponce, and Silvestre Revueltas.
• Notable Argentine composers are Alberto Ginastera and Astor Piazzolla.

Music Styles and Contemporary Composers

• Various music styles practiced in the Americas encompass Contemporary, Romantic, Baroque, and Classical.
• Tania León is known for composing "Inura," while Astor Piazzolla created the "Double Concerto for Bandoneon & Guitar."

Research Insights

• Hector Tosar is identified as a notable composer from Uruguay.
• The opera "Rashomon" by León Biriotti draws from a traditional story originating from Japan.