Abstract
The phenomenon of dwarfism has been, throughout the ages, observed and studied mainly in medical and genetic terms. Portuguese eighteenth-century visual sources concerning dwarfs and music are very rare. These depictions are related to public and private musical practices. It is possible to observe dwarfs performing in theatrical milieu or amusing their masters with dance and music in a private garden. It is also very important that these depictions are quite unique when compared with other European visual sources. It is the aim of this paper to present rare, unknown, and unpublished representations of dwarfs in musical context. Also to present a unique survey concerning their musical role in Portuguese society, including performing practices and organological aspects.
Translated title of the contribution | Music, art and society: The dwarf musicians in the 18th century in Portugal |
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Original language | Portuguese |
Pages (from-to) | 35-48 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Acta Musicologica |
Volume | 88 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2016 |