When we think of the classical music genre, we automatically associate it with certain European composers, such as Mozart, Bach, or Beethoven. This is so because this musical current is based mainly on music produced or derived from the traditions of liturgical music (sacred music, conceived to be performed in religious contexts), as well as secular music from the West, with Western Europe as its main focus.
Despite this, the history of classical music is not reserved only for this continent, and it is that this type of influence spread to the rest of the continents, giving rise to composers and works of great quality that, to a certain extent, have not been as visible.
For this reason, and with the premise that in this blog the first thing is our deep love for music, we would like to explore how this genre has spread throughout the world and the wonders that can be found. If you find it a fascinating topic, join us to learn more about this journey through different lands.
Classical music from Latin America
Although the history of Western classical music has been centered in Europe, the history of Latin American classical music and its composers is long and ancient. Since the colonial period, this music from Europe was introduced and some Latin American Baroque composers began to appear, such as Fray Esteban Ponce de León or Juan de Araujo.
After independence, Latin American classical music continued its development, although strongly influenced by European aesthetics. From this time we can highlight the Chacao School of Venezuela or the Cuban School directed by Manuel Saumell, Ignacio Cervantes, and Nicolás Espadero.
Subsequently, with the birth of each state in Latin America, each country will develop its own culture around this genre, giving rise to various variants and new ways of interpreting it. Some of the most celebrated composers are Astor Piazzolla from Argentina; Camargo Guarnieri from Brazil; Teresa Carreño from Venezuela, and Carlos Chávez from Mexico. However, there are many more and we invite you to investigate and get to know these highly diverse works full of talent and originality.
Classical music in the United States
As in Latin America, European masters influenced American composers, but later the genre began to evolve in its own way.
Some of his classics could start with Samuel Barber and his 'Adagio for Strings', which has been used in special situations, such as President Franklin D. Roosevelt's own funeral or as the soundtrack to the Vietnam War movie, 'Platoon'. ', winning two Pulitzer Prizes. On the other hand, 'Fanfare for the Common Man' and 'Appalachian Spring' by Aaron Copland are two truly recognized and valued works. Additionally, Florence Price was the first African-American woman to have her work performed by a major orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, in 1933.
The 'Great American Songbook' is a recognized musical canon that brings together the most influential songs from the 1920s to the 1950s. In the field of classical music, George Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' stands out, although there are others that could be considered variations of the genus.
Classical music in Oceania
Early Western musical influences in Australia could be traced to two different sources: early settlement, the large number of people who brought traditional folk music from Europe, and early free settlers, as some had been exposed to it in their early years. breeding.
Unfortunately, very little classical music has survived from this period, although samples of music originating in Sydney dating back to the 19th century can be found. Music publications from this period held in Australian libraries include works by Isaac Nathan, Frederick Augustus Packer, Carl Linger, and William Stanley.
The difference between Asia and Africa
However, the notion of classical music as we know it in the West has not developed in the same way in Asia and Africa due to various factors related to the historical context. Although this is so, both have a great musical tradition, endorsed by great composers.
Asia and its instruments
Some examples could be divided into countries since the samples are really different. Thus, starting with Japan, a well-known composer is Toru Takemitsu and his works combine both elements of traditional Japanese and Western music. Also, a great classic is 'Kojo no tsuki' (“Moon over the old castle”) by Rentaro Taki.
On the other hand, India presents a beautiful tradition of Hindustani classical music, highlighting composers such as Bismillah Khan or Ali Akbar Khan. We may also recognize Hairprasad Chaurasia, a renowned Indian flutist who is known for his mastery of the bamboo instrument called the bansuri.
Finally, Guan Pinghu was a great virtuoso of the Chinese zither, called guqin, and is considered one of the best guqin players and composers of the 20th century. In Korea, we find Jeon Min-je, a conductor, known for his symphonic compositions and chamber music.
Africa and indigenous traditions
In the same way, classical music in Africa appears from indigenous traditions and cultures, with a type of musical form that has been transmitted from generation to generation. In Nigeria you can discover the composer and organist Fela Sowande, recognized for his work in choral music and orchestral works, mixing African and Western elements.
Continuing with this dynamic we also have John Kanyenyeza and Bonjani Ndodana-Breen in South Africa. These are just a few examples of composers who are prominent in African classical music, but it is important to note that there is a wide variety of musical styles and traditions across the continent, with each region having its own influential musicians.
African classical music encompasses a wide range of genres, including vocal and instrumental music, but also orchestral works, and continues to develop and enrich itself today.
The final conclusion of this article, and the main reason why it is written, is to highlight the talent and quality of musical works around the world, providing new nuances and visions that enhance this art,
