From Mozart to Berghain: Rosalía’s LUX Bridges Musical Centuries
Rosalía's new album LUX merges centuries of musical styles, collaborating with the London Symphony Orchestra to connect classical and contemporary sounds. Long before Beatlemania, there was Lisztomania; before clubbing, people danced waltzes in beer halls and enjoyed passionate operas. While the emotions remain timeless, musical tastes have shifted—from the elegance of 3/4 waltzes to the energetic pulse of 4/4 rhythms dominating for hundreds of years.
Spirituality and Influences in LUX
The album reflects a deeply personal spirituality shaped by Rosalía's Catholic upbringing, classical philosophy, new age ideas, Islam, and her distinct relationship with God. Conducted by Daníel Bjarnason, the London Symphony Orchestra guides LUX through a dialogue with past popular music and concepts.
Connections to Mozart’s Don Giovanni
Philosophically and structurally, LUX echoes themes from Mozart's Don Giovanni, featuring the notorious Don Juan. In the opera, Don Giovanni narrowly escapes peril repeatedly until he finally confronts an overpowering force. After his descent to Hell, the chorus declares:
Questo è il fin di chi fa mal, e de’ perfidi la morte alla vita è sempre ugual
“This is the end of one who does evil, and for the wicked, death is like life.”
LUX places Rosalía and her characters in moral jeopardy, ending with the ultimate human fate: death.
Summary
LUX skillfully weaves historical musical and spiritual themes with a modern edge, exploring timeless human emotions through a rich, orchestral collaboration.
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