Peru's Musical Heritage of the Viceroyalty: The Creation of a National Identity

The music of Peru evolved through the centuries. The conquest of Peru introduced European polyphony to the natives. Since the natives found enthusiasm towards the music of the Spaniards, missionaries utilized and integrated musical instruction as part of the catechization of the natives. The First, Second, and Third Lima Councils standardized the conversion process and enforced restrictions on sacred music. Like Lima, Arequipa also had a vibrant musical culture but the music remains lost. The music during the colonial era transitioned from three phases: early Spanish, Italian, and Nationalism. Church music dominated nearly the entire epoch of the Viceroyalty. The early Spanish music had limited instrumentation and mainly used popular texts from Spain. After the arrival of the Italian composers the chapel expanded with string and wind instrumentalists. The peak of the revolution influenced patriotic songs that united all Peruvians for the cause.