Poetry, music and identity (with English subtitles) | Jorge Drexler | TED

Summary

In this compelling narrative, Jorge shares the story of how his song 'The Milonga of the Jewish Moor' came to life, inspired by a powerful four-line poem from Chicho Sánchez Ferlosio. Guided by Joaquín Sabina’s challenge, Jorge explores the complex poetic form known as the Décima, which originated in 16th-century Spain. Reflecting on his dual Jewish-Christian heritage and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Jorge creates a piece that intertwines cultural identity, personal emotions, and historical roots. The song, rich in musical and emotional depth, showcases the profound connections between cultural traditions, identity, and the universal search for understanding across boundaries.

Takeaways

• 🎶 The origin of the Décima poetic form can be traced back to Spain in 1591, created by Vicente Espinel.
• ✍️ A Décima consists of ten lines, with a specific rhyme and syllable structure, making it one of the most complex Spanish verse forms.
• 🌍 Despite its disappearance in Spain, the Décima has thrived in Latin America, where it has many regional variations and names.
• 🎤 The speaker's experience with a poem by Chicho Sánchez Ferlosio sparked a creative challenge to write in Décima form.
• 🇮🇱 The speaker's personal connection to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict influenced the themes explored in their song.
• 🏡 The speaker blends Uruguayan musical traditions with Décima, reflecting their cultural background and nostalgia.
• 🔄 The rhythms and influences of the milonga and Décima showcase a rich tapestry of cultural exchanges across continents.
• 🤝 Identity is portrayed as complex and multifaceted, shaped by a blend of different cultural influences and histories.
• 🌱 The idea of cultural purity is challenged, emphasizing that true identity is a mix of influences from various origins.
• 🎵 The performance of the song illustrates how music can convey deep emotions and address serious social issues.

Q & A

What prompted the speaker to write a song during their time in Madrid?

The speaker received lines of poetry from Joaquín Sabina, which inspired them to express their feelings through a song.

What are the four lines of poetry that the speaker received?

"I am a Jewish Moor living among Christians, I don't know who my God is, nor who my brothers are."

What is a Décima, and why was it significant in the speaker's songwriting process?

A Décima is a complex Spanish poetic form consisting of 10 lines. The speaker was challenged to write in this form, which pushed them creatively.

How does the speaker describe the historical background of the Décima?

The Décima originated in Spain in 1591, created by Vicente Espinel, and while it has faded in Spain, it remains vibrant in Latin American traditions.

What musical style did the speaker want to incorporate into the song?

The speaker aimed to create a very Uruguayan sound by using the milonga, a traditional music style with roots in African rhythms.

What personal experiences influenced the themes of the song?

The speaker's mixed Jewish and Christian heritage, along with the emotional weight of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, deeply informed the song's themes.

How does the speaker feel about cultural identity?

The speaker believes that cultural identity is complex and layered, recognizing that individuals are shaped by multiple influences rather than a single origin.

What is the significance of the phrase 'things only look pure, if you look at them from far away'?

This phrase highlights the idea that cultural practices may seem straightforward from a distance, but up close, they reveal a rich tapestry of influences and complexities.

What did the young musician in Mexico express about the Décima?

The young musician expressed pride in keeping alive the purest origins of their Mexican identity through the Décima, demonstrating the deep cultural significance attached to it.

What overall message does the speaker convey at the end of the narrative?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding one's roots while acknowledging the interconnectedness of cultures, suggesting that we are shaped by many places and histories.