From Tradition to Innovation: The Development of Pasillo in Colombian Piano Repertoire

Abstract

This lecture-document explores the historical and stylistic development of pasillo, a traditional Colombian genre, as expressed through its original piano repertoire. Moving beyond its origins in European waltz traditions, pasillo has become a distinct cultural and musical emblem of Colombian identity. Through a detailed historical overview and musical analysis, this study traces how pasillo evolved from 19th-century salon dance music into an expressive medium of national and artistic significance. Focusing on the piano works of Fulgencio García, Adolfo Mejía, Carolina Calvache, and Victor Agudelo, the research highlights how composers from different generations have reshaped the genre—integrating elements of folk dance, impressionism, jazz, and avant-garde idioms. Analytical chapters examine form, rhythm, harmony, and performance practices across selected works, illustrating the pasillo's adaptability and expressive richness. By investigating these compositions in their historical, cultural, and pedagogical contexts, this document positions the pasillo not only as a vehicle of national sentiment but also as a genre of increasing academic and concert relevance within the Latin American piano tradition.