From Mozart to Berghain: Rosalía’s LUX Bridges Centuries of Musical Temptation
Rosalía’s new album LUX takes listeners on a journey through time, blending centuries of musical influences in collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra. Before the frenzy of Beatlemania, there was Lisztomania. Before clubbing became the norm, people waltzed in beer halls and performed passionate operas. While emotions remain universal, musical tastes have evolved—from the sensuality of a 3/4 waltz to the energetic rhythms of 4/4 dance beats.
Both music and religion adapt with the times. LUX reflects Rosalía’s personal spirituality, shaped by her Catholic upbringing, classical philosophy, new age ideas, Islam, and her intimate connection with God.
Collaboration and Inspiration
Created alongside the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Daníel Bjarnason, LUX engages in a dialogue with popular music and timeless ideas. The album shares philosophical and structural echoes with Mozart’s Don Giovanni, a story about a mischievous nobleman dubbed Don Juan.
“Questo è il fin di chi fa mal, e de’ perfidi la morte alla vita è sempre ugual,”
In the opera, Don Giovanni escapes danger repeatedly until he finally encounters a force that overpowers him and is dragged to Hell. Similarly, LUX places Rosalía and her characters in moral jeopardy, with a narrative culminating in death, exploring the human condition.
Key Themes in LUX
- Bridging historical musical traditions with contemporary sounds
- Expressing complex spirituality through diverse cultural influences
- Reflecting on morality and mortality through storytelling
LUX stands as a bold masterpiece that connects classical and modern music while delving into timeless human struggles.