Canciones de la muerte (1983) of Rocío Sanz Quirós

Abstract

This study offers an analytical approach to Canciones de la muerte (1983) for soprano and strings by Rocío Sanz Quirós (1934-1993), deepening in its particular representation of the motive of the death. The analysis is based on the four poems of the cycle, written by the composer herself, and the use of certain compositional ideas. The study also connects the analysis with some aspects of the composer’s biography, since this is one of her last compositions written before a long illness, marking the end of her creative trajectory. The study is connected to the transcription project of Sanz’ works at the Archivo Histórico Musical of the Escuela de Artes Musicales, Universidad de Costa Rica. The reason to study Sanz’ compositional language is also connected to the research project Fondecyt 1220792 “Serialism in Latin America as a cultural technique”, which has established a collaboration with Dr. Susan Campos Fonseca and the Archivo Histórico Musical from the University of Costa Rica.