The figure of Christiam Mantilla Mayer at the beginning of the early music movement in Peru

Abstract

The early music movement in Peru began, as in other Latin American countries, with the formation of Renaissance and medieval music groups in the second decade of the 20th century. The present investigation seeks to document the role of Christiam Mantilla Mayer in the initial stage of the movement in Peru through the activity of the groups Ars Viva and Carmina Nova in Lima. To this end, in–depth interviews were conducted and the personal files of Mantilla Mayer and several members of the groups were accessed. It was concluded that there are coincidences in the emergence of these groups and those of other countries on the continent in terms of their leadership, formation, their relationship with the German Peruvian schools and migrant musicians. This first study is an attempt to record the musical activity developed by Mantilla Mayer and leaves the doors open for future research.