Join us for our latest exploration of early music.
This time we cross the Atlantic to look at the development of the
distinctive C17th baroque style in what is now Mexico and some
of its neighbouring countries.
The arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century
led to much interaction between Native Indians and the invaders,
the outcomes being varied and not always beneficial to either party.
The incomers were very quick to introduce their own culture
and religion and in this regard, music offered a significant link.
Many native cultures were centuries old and highly sophisticated,
with well defined traditions particularly in ritual music. This was
soon to be fused with the Catholic traditions of plainchant, then
polyphony together with the playing and making of instruments.
By the early seventeenth century immigrant Spanish priests
like Padilla were composing in a very distinctive Baroque style which
incorporated characteristic local syncopated rhythms, the familiarity of
which drew the population into the Catholic faith.
Criollo composers (born in South America of Spanish parentage) such
as Capillas, a pupil of Padilla, began to export their music back to
Europe where these rhythmic freedoms could be explored even further.
Blackdowns Early Music Projects, directed by JanJoost van Elburg
with a professional band of early instruments will bring some
of this music to life on May 4th.