Las sociedades musicales en el Madrid de Isabel II (1833-1868)

Abstract

After the fall of the monarchist absolutism, the middle class, whom the economic liberalism gives an unprecedented strength, demands new entertainments, new places to make profitable social relationships and, definitely, new ways to show their influence and power. On the other hand, the shift of political rules allows people to express and gather, even if with some restrictions, and opens the door to the progressive democratization of society, with its cultural consequences. That ensemble of factors leads to the appearance of many different institutions but with a constant feature: the defence of the liberal ideas, the good fellowship and communication among individuals (which includes the recreational side), the cultural divulging and artistic expression. It is at this point that establishments with both musical and educational activity must be taken into account. This essay intends to go through organizations such as Liceo Artístico y Literario, Instituto Español, La Unión, Museo Lírico, El Genio and many other artistic societies which proliferated during the 1830s and 1840s, centres with an intense social and musical activity in Madrid during Isabel II's era. Their influence in this area must be underlined, as devoted to promote performance, composition and, which is highly important, music instruction. The selected society of Madrid could be found there, gathered to learn music rudiments, singing and playing as well as to listen to the repertory in vogue at that time and to take part itself in its performance.