Evening star., 1934-06-03

hIicI lIlulBeIlOuS MeAlCdU SONGS, du-
thentic in character, were presented
by a selected choir of children from
the various schools of the federal dis
trict. Several examples of the purest
indigenous music were sung by the
children, and instrumental arrange
ments of Maya and Seri Indian music
made up the program. The impulse
to creative talent by this fostering OF
the music that mirrors the life of the
country through passing generations
has already brought results in the
concentration Of composers on native
material. And encouraged as it Is by
the government and the prominent
musicians who have won international
recognition, the future of Mexican
music contains interesting trends
worth watching.
The folk music of Mexico has been
IN danger Of disappearing, for the
younger generation has felt the lure
Of the modern popular music of other
countries, which the phonograph and
radio made easily accessible to them
The old singers who passed on the
unrecorded music, which they in turn
learned from their elders, are dying
out, and none Of their descendants
cared sufficiently to follow in the
footsteps of the old musicians. Thus
the old songs and dances would have
been lost but for this timely revival
OF interest by those directing the
musical endeavors of the country.
The wealth of indigenous music in
Mexico is inexhaustible. All through
the stirring and romantic history OF
the country. from primitive times
through its glorious civilization, music
has been part of the soul OF the
people. In the writings of the old
chroniclers reference is constantly
made to the festivals and religious
rites where the natives sang and
danced to the accompaniment of ode
native instruments. Some of this
older ritual music is retained today in
the festivals celebrating the holidays
OF the Christian church, but it is
doubtfh if its origin is universally
understood or appreciated.
Into the legacy of indigenous music
go the three elements that form the
pattern OF Mexican life. The first is
the criollo caste, made up of the Eu-
ropean colonists who settled in Mex
leo in the early days and which is al
most exclusively of Spanish origin
Over one-half of the population forms
the second class, the meStizo caste, de.
scendantS of the intermarriage OF
Spaniards and Indian. Finally. the
purely Indian group which until the
downfall of Diaz in 1910, was kept in
the background, has come into its
own with its wealth of musical heri.
tage, SO colorful and distinctive. From
these three civilizations. as they
might be called, the present day com.
poser can seek his inspiration, draw.
Ing on the remnants of an ancient
| European culture and the still more
ancient native musical formula.
which these groups have cherished
through the changing events Of theil
country's history.
With the enthusiasm of youth. the
new composers are searching out ir
this rich storehouse for their themes
allying them to present-day demand.
by means of a modern technique ir
composition and their own genuine
musical genius. The musical worlc
can expect to hear more of the new
school of music that Mexican patriot.
are striving to establish Well directed
effort will have its reward in the re.
birth of a national music.