Author

Adam Smolker

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Clark, Maribeth

Area of Concentration

Humanities

Abstract

This paper was part of preparation for a performance of select Latin American guitar compositions and ensemble works. Studying the rhythms and histories of the composers’ nations, this paper will provide context for the pieces, Manhã de Carnaval and Samba de Orfeu by Luiz Bonfa, Bachianas Brasileiras no. 5 & Mazurka Choro by Heitor Villa Lobos, Estrellita by Manuel Maria Ponce, Por Una Cabeza by Carlos Gardel, and Milonga No. 5 by Fernando Carlos Tavolaro. This paper will detail the lives and music of the selected composers, in addition, it will talk about the musical histories of their native countries–Brazil for Bonfa and Villa-Lobos, Mexico for Ponce, and Argentina for Gardel and Tavolaro. Overall, this is truly ‘world music’, with the composers taking in a melting pot of musical influences only to send it back into the world to influence others.

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