Description
Book SynopsisThis resource is an interesting look at how European culture, particularly European music, related to the social and cultural experiences of the residents of ninteenth-century Rio de Janeiro. The focus is on how Cariocas (residents of Rio de Janeiro) responded to and often imitated different musical styles imported from Europe. After introducing the local musical setting and showing how musical life in imperial Rio de Janeiro reflected Parisian models, the author discusses the importation of operatic repertory, the use of German classical music as the basis of an elite social class, the role of European music in Brazilian theater, and finally, the emergence of a national music. Overall, this study reveals European music as a powerful force in the internal processes of political, cultural, social, and ethnic negotiations during the 19th century government of Emperor Pedro II. Musicologists, Latin American historians, and anyone with an interest in urban studies will find much of interest in this book.
Trade ReviewThe process of reconstructing a distant past, be it diachronically or synchronically, is like panning for gold dust in a pile of sand: the task is painstaking, but the result can be highly rewarding. Such is the case with the research for this volume...Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above. * CHOICE *
...an excellent guide... * Luso-Brazilian Review, (Translation) *
Magaldi...is primarily concerned with how residents in 19th-century Rio de Janeiro received, perceived, selected, used, and imitated different musical styles imported from Europe, especially from Paris. She focuses on the musical preferences of the local elite — those who held political and financial power, were involved directly or indirectly with making decisions, and were the local cultural managers. * Reference and Research Book News *
