Resonance of the Codex: Exploring Mesoamerican Music Then and Now

On this episode of ReCurrent, Jaime Roque explores the music and instruments of the Florentine Codex, a 16th Century manuscript that recorded the life and culture of Mesoamerica at the time. A family home video floods host Jaime Roque with memories and emotions as he recounts how on that particular day, his love of music was sparked. This week, we're exploring the rich and resonant history of music from our past and how it continues to resonate with us today. Jaime explores Mesoamerican instruments and discovers the Florentine Codex, a 16th Century manuscript, that is the most detailed record of life in Mexico at that time. Throughout, instrument and music are detailed and pictured. Whether you're a musician, a music enthusiast, or someone who loves learning about history and cultural origins, you'll find this journey fascinating.



The episode features multi-instrumentalist Christopher Garcia, Getty senior research specialist Kim Richter, and Dr. Leon Garcia Garagarza, a specialist in Nahuatl history and religion. Together, they show Jaime indigenous instruments, play music for him, and teach him about the importance of music to Nahuatl people. That importance has been passed down generation after generation, where it can still be found in Mexico and in Los Angeles today.



Special thanks to Christopher Garcia, Dr. Leon Garcia-Garagarza, and Kim Richter.



"¡Y Vero America Va! Televisa Network and "Afuera" performed by Caifanes / (c) 1994 RCA Records



Music by Christopher Garcia and Jaime Roque