The three outstanding books on Mexican music under review here investigate many different musical repertoires, composers, performers, time periods, historical events, cultural practices, and political developments related to music over the five centuries from the mid-sixteenth century through the 1970s. Many of the changes that Mexico and her people experienced in that time are reflected in numerous ways in these books. All three volumes significantly enhance our understanding of the history of Mexican music and of music in Mexico, and present important new information and interpretations. Since the emphasis is primarily on art music repertoires, indigenous and mestizo folk and popular traditions—which are very significant—are included when they interact and coincide with the main topics covered. Scholars from Mexico, the United States, and Spain contributed to these publications. All three books will spark new performances of these musical repertoires, and increased interest in their histories.
In Los libros de polifonía...