From romanticism to Mexican musical nationalism (1882-1925): Manuel M. Ponce, the first nationalist musician?

Abstract

Manuel María Ponce Cuellar (1882-1948) was known as “The father of Mexican musical nationalism”, just as “The first nationalist musician”, however, this has been debated. In the present work, I’m going to analyze his biography, and his musical production, taking into account his romantic and nationalist periods to perceive his influences. As well as highlight the first period, which is often overshadowed by the second. This work also questions how parts of historiography define him regarding his supposed paternity about this movement. Therefore, the last part of this text includes a brief account of the debate about the said issue.