On November 13, Professor José Colmeiro gave a lecture titled “Popular Music and Social Change in Contemporary Galicia.” Professor Colmeiro is the Prince of Asturias Chair in Spanish Studies at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and has received several accolades, including the American Philosophical Society Award in 2002 and the Letras de Oro Award in 1998. He holds a PHD in Spanish Literature from UCB.
During his talk, Professor Colmeiro emphasized the importance of music to Galician culture. He mentioned music’s active role in politics and society, both raising awareness for certain issues and shaping elements of identity. Various genres of music are culturally influential in their way, from national anthems to sports songs, folk songs, working songs, and religious chants, to name just a few.
Professor Colmeiro made sure to walk us through the revival and expression of Galician culture, as a distinct one within Spain. Describing Galicia as a “nation without a state,” he mentioned the cultural revival of the 19th century, the prohibition of works in the Galician language under Franco, and the easing of those prohibitions after 1962.
Once the common language of poetry across Iberia, the Galician tongue has a rich history of music that encompasses poetry, songs played with traditional Celtic instruments such as the bagpipe, and contemporary rock fusions. Celso Emilio Ferreiro’s “Longa noite de Pedra” was an important critique of dictatorship published shortly after the language prohibition was lifted. From the 1980s Movida in Galicia onward, the music of the region has been innovative. It can be a form of resistance through parody, satire and provocative themes.
After covering the historical context, Professor Colmeiro shared a few modern artists with us. Music from the likes of Os Resentidos and Mondra showcases that traditional language and instruments can be effectively utilized in songs that still make a statement on society. These messages are sometimes local, but they can also be directed to a wider, global audience.