The question pulsing in Mexico's musical clearings last week was whether shaggy Composer-Conductor Carlos Chávez was Mexico's No. 1 artistic directoror its artistic dictator.
Twenty years ago Chávez had rounded up musicians from Mexico City dance halls, movie theaters and churches to form Mexico's first symphony orchestra, made the classics almost as well known as La Cucaracha. Following his lead, four more orchestras started up in the provinces. Chávez' troubles began when his friend President Miguel Alemán asked him to help set up an Institute of Fine Arts to direct Mexico's music, art...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
