Spanish Baroque Literature: Styles, Themes, and Major Authors
Baroque
Historical and Social Context
The Baroque period in Spain arose during the reign of the later Habsburgs (Philip III, Philip IV, and Charles II) and was characterized by:
- Economic crisis: Spain missed the opportunity for an industrial revolution by mismanaging wealth from the New World.
- Spanish decadence: The 17th century saw increased national ruin due to poor governance, the expulsion of Jews and Moors, and continuous wars, notably in Catalonia and Portugal.
- Emigration to America: This depopulated
Modernism, Maximalism: Strauss and Mahler
Modernism
Late nineteenth and early 1914. Modernism marked by historical events and social and political decadence of Romanticism and its ideals. A new generation more optimistic. Maximalism arises from the decay of German Romanticism, looked at with irony. The new generation is at odds with romance and stretches the possibilities of music. The end of romance is the germ of the post-Romantic Movement: Expressionism, Futurism, Maximalism, Impressionism, Nationalism… the rise of the isms. The most
Read MoreJourney Through Medieval and Renaissance Music
Secular Music
The Chivalric Love
The birth of secular music around 800 AD stemmed from the human need to express feelings of joy, love, and sorrow in their own vernacular language.
The Troubadour Music
Troubadours were poet-musicians who sang in honor of their beloved. They performed in castles, courts, plazas, and pathways, using both the Occitan (OC) and the Oil (Oïl) languages.
Qualities of Secular Music
Secular music distinguished itself from Gregorian chant with a measured pace, humanized expression,
Read MoreArgentine National Anthem: History and Evolution
The First Argentine Anthems
Information Contained in the First Official Anthem
The Gazeta de Buenos Ayres of November 15, 1810, featured a patriotic march composed by a citizen of Buenos Aires, set to music by another citizen. Esteban de Luca, an American regimental sergeant major, wrote the lyrics, and Blas Parera, a Catalan master, composed the music. This celebrated the Argentine army’s victory at Suipacha. Luca’s lyrics were printed and distributed among the people.
For the second anniversary of
Read MoreMedieval and Renaissance Music: Composers, Forms, and Instruments
Medieval Music
Vocal Works
Santa Maria strella do day, Alfonso X “El Sabio”: Galician-Portuguese cantiga, monophonic, religious (though part of secular monody, dedicated to the Virgin).
Sederunt principes, Pérotin: Organum (Ars Antiqua), Latin, religious, polyphonic (simultaneous interpretation).
Puer Natus Est, Anonymous: Gregorian chant, Latin, monophonic, religious, Introit.
Viderunt Omnes, Anonymous: Gradual, Latin, monophonic, religious.
Musical Concepts
Monody: Simple music, single melodic line,
Read MoreEvolution of Urban Popular Music: From Blues to Rock and Roll
Characteristics of Urban Popular Music
- Technological Advancement: Technological progress has significantly influenced music composition and perception.
- Social Connection: Urban music reflects a mix of cultures, social conflicts, and movements like civil rights, pacifism, and environmentalism.
- Youthful Identification: It serves as an identity symbol for younger generations.
- Commercial Function: Popular music is a commodity subject to market laws.
- Mass Media Relationship: The connection with mass media