Cultivating a National Awareness: Colombian Nationalism in the Music of Guillermo Uribe Holguín and Antonio María Valencia During the First Half of the Twentieth Century

Abstract

Throughout its extensive history marked by multiculturalism and foreign influences, Colombia has continually embarked on a quest to define its identity. The significant rise in cultural and musical development during the latter part of the nineteenth century prompted the need to establish Colombia’s own musical voice. This posed a monumental challenge for composers of that era, who had to forge an artistic national identity amidst competing ideals. On the one hand, the judgment and value of musical works during the first half of the century were based on folk-inspired art. On the other, a modern approach sought to assimilate Western musical conventions into national compositions to broaden the music's international appeal. Central to this discourse were Guillermo Uribe Holguín (1880–1971) and Antonio María Valencia (1902–1952), two leading composers of their generations who emerged as pivotal figures in defining a Colombian national musical identity. They are revered as some of the pioneering professionals advancing composition and music education methods in the country. The analysis of their works Sinfonía No. 2 Del Terruño op. 15 (Uribe Holguín) and Emociones Caucanas (Valencia) will provide a deeper understanding of each composer’s perspective on the subject, as these pieces distinctly illustrate the articulation between European and nationalist elements. This analysis will also offer insight into how both composers navigated a predominantly European music scene, allowing for a greater appreciation of the enduring nationalist influence in Colombian music.