NPR

Folk Duo Maria i Marcel Shines Light On The 'Very Real Taboo' Of Spain's Civil War

The Catalan musicians use their culture's tradition to connect difficult memories of the Spanish Civil War to Spain's democracy today.
Catalan folk duo Maria i Marcel are not afraid to discuss the atrocities of Spain's Civil War through music. "There's a change of mentality," Marcel Bagés<strong> </strong>says.

Catalonia, a culturally distinct and politically embattled region of northeast Spain, has held on to its distinct culture through centuries as it has struggled to redefine its relationship with the rest of the country.

These deep questions of identity and allegiance are heard in the music of modern Catalan folk duo Maria Arnal and Marcel Bagés. Drawing on traditional folk songs and archival field recordings, Maria i Marcel's debut album , revisits

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min readAmerican Government
Trump's Immunity Arguments And The Experiences Of The Justices Who Might Support It
Five of the six conservatives spent much of their lives in the Beltway, working in the White House and Justice Department, seeing their administrations as targets of unfair harassment by Democrats.
NPR2 min read
More Than 500 People Have Been Arrested At Pro-Palestinian Protests At Colleges
Students and others are protesting Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza and, in some cases, their school's investments in Israel. Presidents at several schools face calls to resign amid the protests.
NPR8 min read
Whither The West Coast Gangsta?
A familiar rap character, the Cali hustler cruising in a low-rider, has faded in the 21st century. On new albums by G Perico, Mozzy and Gangrene, that figure is alive and well, living in the margins.

Related Books & Audiobooks