The Musical Collection of Santa Catarina School in Juiz de Fora

maintenance and changes of a German-Brazilian culture

Abstract

Just like rare human expressions, music is a clear record of intense historical, political and cultural transformations. In the case of Santa Catarina School in Juiz de Fora, an institution of German origin, the presence of music and its changes – from its foundation to the present day – is evident in the study of its collection. Through music, significant historical events can be noted, such as the Second World War, Brazilian nationalism, the strengthening of industry and capitalism, which in turn translate into specific musical elements, such as the teaching of Western classical music, especially the piano, the practice of Orpheonic Singing and, more recently, the application of methods in music, such as Suzuki. This article describes this process through an extensive bibliographical and historical survey, in addition to the study of musical sources present in the school's library and exclusive interviews. Historical transformations, as well as the need to adapt to the Brazilian scenario, constituted a progressive distancing from the German language, which is also observed in relation to the musical repertoire. However, and even though many musical practices have been lost, values ​​practiced since the foundation of the school are still present, and among them, the undoubted appreciation of musical practice stands out.