Musical education of young people in Western Galicia in the era of autonomy

Abstract

Almost all major towns of Western Galicia had classical and real gymnasiums, which had in their curriculum subjects like singing and music.  Teaching singing was intended to prepare the school choir, which provided the musical setting for the church and school ceremonies. The number of hours did not exceed four per week. Learning was organised at two levels, I - the lower and II - higher. The repertoire included mostly religious songs, secular songs (music by Moniuszko, Noskowski, Żeleński). Apart from singing, music was taught in order to organize a school orchestra - brass  or string. The composition and the types of bands depended primarily on the financial possibilities of schools and musical talents of the students. The repertoire of instrumental ensembles included patriotic songs, classical music (opera, operetta),  marches, polonaises, mazurs.