"Modernism in Spain: The Case of Neoclassicism" Seminar

Meanings and processes involved in 20th-century Spanish modernism cannot be understood without explaining the concept of neoclassicism. It refers to an ideological and aesthetic category constructed in Spanish literary, artistic and musical narratives of the first decades of 20th century. In this paper, I analyse the concept of musical neoclassicism in Spain by comparing different theoretical sources, essays and texts of the main figures who supported literary, artistic and musical modernism in Spain. My aim is to demonstrate how the notion of neoclassicism arose as a conduit to European modernism, thus reinforcing the idea of Spanish national identity as peripheral. In particular, I explore this perspective in relation to comments on Manuel de Falla’s Retablo de Maese Pedro and Concerto.

The event will be followed by a drinks reception at the Arlott Bar, to which all are welcome.

For further information, please contact Kate Guthrie.