The partsongs of Blas Galindo Dimas (1910-1993): The implications of nationalistic compositional techniques on the conductor's preparation and performance

Abstract

The partsongs of Mexican composer, Blas Galindo Dimas (1910-1993) contain elements of pre-cortesian Mexican music and Mexican mestizo folk music. Galindo's musical background, and the nationalistic currents of thought that were present in Mexico during his youth and education influenced his compositional style. Galindo utilizes specific Mexican folk and indigenous traits. The information available to Galindo regarding pre-cortesian indigenous music is investigated. In addition, the Mexican folk form son is described. The alternation of meter in six and meter in three is known as sesquialtera, and is a defining characteristic of the son, subsequently used by Galindo in the partsongs. The inclusion of Mexican folk and indigenous style traits in Galindo's partsongs has implications for the choral conductor. Nationalistic traits in Galindo's works should be emphasized using proper Mexican folkloric performance practice. In addition, Galindo shows a high degree of sensitivity to the text. His declamation of the text preserves the natural word stress and paints word meanings with musical conventions. Descriptions of selected partsongs seek to identify nationalistic traits and the relationship of rhythm and meter to the text. The conductor is given rehearsal and performance suggestions for dealing appropriately with those traits.