Paraguayan Musical Nationalism in the Symphonies of Florentín Giménez

This study of the music and career of Florentín Giménez discusses the various ways in which he expressed his Paraguayan cultural identity and musical nationalism through his symphonies. Florentín Giménez (1925–2021) stands as one of the most prolific Paraguayan composers of both concert and folk music-style works. Colman argues that not only Giménez’s musical nationalism was a lens to reflect an ideal Paraguayan cultural identity, but indeed a means to develop it. Topics are approached with a threefold goal in mind: to provide a biography of the composer, to consider the various cultural themes associated with his compositions, and to give an overview of his symphonies. A chronological list of his compositions—including the dates of their premieres, soloists, ensembles, and conductors—appears in the Appendix as a reference guide.