Shaping the Brazilian Nation through Music

Catalog description

This course provides an introduction to the music of Brazil, with a particular emphasis on its role in creating and contesting visions of nationhood during the twentieth century. Focusing upon a limited number of musical practices, from different regions and periods, it is not intended to provide a comprehensive survey. Rather, using a small set of case studies, it highlights key dynamics that have shaped the relation between Brazilian music and Brazilian society more broadly. Topics range from traditional practices, such as candomblé and folias de reis; to samba, bossa nova, and Northeastern regional styles; to the work of composer Heitor Villa-Lobos; to the contemporary hip hop scene of São Paolo. There are no prerequisites, but it is recommended that students have either some knowledge of Latin American culture and/or history, or some musical background. Enrollment will be limited to twenty people, with preference given to those matching these criteria.