History and evolution of the Mexican nationalist identity in music with annotations of selected violin compositions

Abstract

Latin American countries sought independence from European domination during the early nineteenth century. The goal was political and economic freedom and the consolidation of a nation with unique cultural traits. In México, the urge to create an authentic national identity in the arts as part of a consolidated nation resulted from the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). José Vasconcelos (1882-1959) led the cultural movement that encouraged artists and composers to create works based on indigenous styles. He considered the authenticity of a nationalistic identity in the arts could only come from the Mexican indigenous population. Carlos Chávez was the leading composer who established his ideology for a Mexican school of nationalistic composition in the music field. His political influence took him to obtain the authority to legitimize his ideas on how Mexican music should be composed. Chávez influenced an entire generation that later became leading nationalistic Mexican composers, including Silvestre Revueltas (1899-1940), Luis Sandi (1905-1996), Blas Galindo (1910-1993), and José Pablo Moncayo (1912-1958). This document examines the history and evolution of the Mexican nationalistic identity in music, particularly the influence of Carlos Chávez over his colleagues and students. This shaped musical composition in México, influencing a generation of composers.

Embargo status: Restricted until 06/2172. To request the author grant access, click on the PDF link to the left.