Guatemalan Music 1600-1800
Ben Shelley
Background History
Guatemala was invaded by explorers from Spain in 1524, and established as a Viceroyalty of the Spanish colonies. Something interesting is that Guatemala was introduced to the style of Europeans before any other colonies in the New World. During this time, Guatemala saw an increase in exported goods as well as an unfortunate, devastating earthquake that literally rocked the nation.
Instruments
A popular instrument used during these times in Guatemala was the marimba. This was debated whether or not it was indigenous to Guatemala or if it came from somewhere else, but nonetheless Guatemala was a great place to make these. A list of other native instruments include, chinchines, sonajas, tzu, tzicolaj, and the ocarina. These instruments were mostly made of animal parts. Imported instruments include those that were used to make sacred Spanish and Flemish music. This is how the Europeans introduced some of their culture and assimilated Guatemalan musicians.
European Influence
Like most other things that Europeans got their hands on, they had an influence in Guatemalan music too. A huge influence on music of this time was the church in Spain. The missionaries that came from Spain encouraged the inclusion of marimbas. Not just in Guatemala, the different Canadian music eras corresponded to the eras in Europe.
Significant Musicians
Manuel Jose de Quiros: He was born in the late 1600s, and had an apprenticeship as a young fellow. He was the Chapel Master at the Guatemala City Cathedral from 1738 until he died in 1765. As the Chapel Master, he educated other music apprentices and choir boys, as well as conducting music for the services. He was a composer, and the first composer trained in Western Europe to have his composition work critically reviewed. He wrote Vilancios, Cantatas, and other sacred songs.
Rafael Antonio Castellanos: He was born in 1725, and was a significant Guatemalan composer. He lived throughout the Baroque and Classical eras, so he composed work that respected both eras. He was well known for his inclusion of Folk Melodies into his Classical work. He took over as Chapel Master after Quiros's death.
Hernando Franco
Franco wrote over twenty motets that survived. He headed a Spanish chapel choir. His style is similar to other Spanish composers during that period, although his is a bit more conservative. Some of his work was influenced by Cristobal de Morales. He is the earliest known composer in Guatemala. His works, a Lumen ad revelationem and a Benedicamus Domino are the earliest manuscripts that survived from that area.