Music of the the Conquistadors

[doversoul1]

Official title: Early Music Development in Mexico (Repeat)
Lucie Skeaping talks to Jeffrey Skidmore about musical developments in Mexico. The programme traces musical life from the 16th century, with music by composers such as Hernando Franco, through the remarkable musical developments in the 17th century in Puebla, illustrated in the music of Padilla, and culminating in the music of Ignacio de Jerusalem and Manuel de Zumaya at the start of the 18th century

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sbvh2

JS did best to reassure us that all is now a part of Mexico’s musical culture and the people are very glad to have had… the history which, he says has enriched the country’s music tradition no end (or to that effect). And yet…. I don’t know. I find it hard to dissociate the history especially from the church music from this region. Ah well.

[decantor]

JS did best to reassure us that all is now a part of Mexico’s musical culture and the people are very glad to have had… the history which, he says has enriched the country’s music tradition no end (or to that effect). And yet…. I don’t know. I find it hard to dissociate the history especially from the church music from this region. Ah well.

As I recall, JS said something to the effect that "I think they are beginning to appreciate the cultural value of that period of their history". That might mean that four centuries of boiling resentment has eased to a simmer. But the music is distinctive and well worth hearing, isn't it?

[doversoul1]

decantor

Your memory is better mine. Yes, that is what he said. And yes, the music is well worth hearing and I have been quite a fan of Ex Cathedra for some while now. All the same, when I hear the music composed back in the 17th century, I can’t help wondering what the world was like to the ‘conquered’. I have not been able to make up my mind as to whether I should let that get in the way of appreciating and enjoying the music.

[french frank]

when I hear the music composed back in the 17th century, I can’t help wondering what the world was like to the ‘conquered’. I have not been able to make up my mind as to whether I should let that get in the way of appreciating and enjoying the music.

Before I was distracted, I was going to comment that 'conquistador' isn't in itself a name that immediately endears itself to all.

[ardcarp]

We should not perhaps let our appreciation of what we hear be 'filtered' through the mores of th 21st century. There was plenty of killing, torture, oppression (you name it) going on in Europe at the time of the conquistadors. So should we shudder when we hear Victoria, Gabrieli, Monteverdi.......

[doversoul1]

I suppose once you start thinking that most of Haydn’s music came about because the Esterhazys were exploiting poor peasants, life becomes terribly depressing. But somehow this seems different. These people were composing the music of a completely alien religion that had wiped out their own belief system. Ah well. My knowledge of the history is too vague to get too wound up about these things.

(Only) slightly related to the subject: apparently Christina Pluhar’s L’Arpeggiata and Philippe Jaroussky are to record South American music for Virgin Classics.

http://theclassicalreview.com/cds-dvds/2011/06/philippe-jaroussky-renews-his-exclusive-contract-with-virgin-classics/

mmm….

[Richard Tarleton]

These people were composing the music of a completely alien religion that had wiped out their own belief system. Ah well. My knowledge of the history is too vague to get too wound up about these things.

http://www.swarthmore.edu/SocSci/bdorsey1/41docs/02-las.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartolom%C3%A9_de_las_Casas

This guy's life is worth reading more about. There are nearly three million search results on Google for Bartolomé de las Casas, but these two will give you a flavour. Puts it in perspective.

[Chris Newman]

The religious music of the Mexican Conquest was certainly lively. This Guaracha "Convidando está la noche" is played by Jordi Savall and friends. The Harp Consort do an even livelier version on their record Missa Mexicana which has sadly been taken off YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbao4A5VFV0

FAR FAR better than happy clappy modern church music.

[doversoul1]

Richard
Thank you very much for those links. Both articles look very interesting. I shall settle down later and read them properly.

Chris
And thank you for the Jordi Savall link.

FAR FAR better than happy clappy modern church music

Oh, definitely. No comparison. It’s like pot noodle to properly cooked Chinese food.