From Mozart to Berghain: Rosalía’s LUX Bridges Musical Eras
Rosalía's new album LUX connects centuries of musical styles through a collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra. The album explores timeless emotional themes by weaving together elements from classical music and contemporary sounds.
From Lisztomania to Club Culture
Before the frenzy of Beatlemania, there was Lisztomania; before club-goers danced to modern beats, people waltzed in beer halls and performed passionate operas. While emotions remain universal, musical tastes shift over time. A 3/4 waltz once captivated listeners, only for the dance floor to turn to 4/4 rhythms for centuries thereafter.
Spirituality and Personal Exploration in LUX
LUX expresses Rosalía's personal spirituality, drawing on her Catholic roots, classical philosophy, New Age influences, Islam, and her unique connection to God. The album, conducted by Daníel Bjarnason, engages in a thoughtful dialogue with past musical traditions and ideas.
Philosophical and Structural Echoes of Mozart
LUX shares philosophical and musical themes with Mozart’s Don Giovanni, which tells the story of the infamous Don Juan. In the opera, Don Giovanni narrowly escapes danger multiple times until he finally confronts an unstoppable force. After being dragged to Hell, the chorus intones:
"Questo è il fin di chi fa mal, e de’ perfidi la morte alla vita è sempre ugual,"
"This is the end of one who does evil, and for the wicked, death is like life."
Moral Danger and Human Fate
LUX places Rosalía and her characters in profound moral dilemmas, concluding with a poignant reflection on human mortality.
Author's summary: Rosalía’s LUX masterfully fuses classical and modern music, exploring timeless human emotions and spirituality with profound moral and philosophical insights.