1. Integration and Assimilation:
* Initial Focus on Existing Repertoires: Many early immigrants, especially those seeking a fresh start, focused on preserving and sharing the music of their homelands. This meant playing familiar folk music, religious music, or even classical works from their countries of origin.
* Assimilation pressures: In many cases, there was societal pressure to assimilate into the dominant culture, leading some immigrants to prioritize learning and performing music in the "new" country's style. This could have meant focusing on European classical music or even adopting popular genres of the time.
2. The Evolution of Identity:
* Finding a Voice: Developing a distinctly "immigrant" musical style took time. It involved the merging of musical traditions, experimentation with new instruments and techniques, and the emergence of a collective identity that reflected the unique experiences of these communities.
* The "melting pot" myth: While often portrayed as a seamless melting pot, assimilation was never fully complete. Immigrants brought their own unique musical languages, and over time, these influences began to weave into the tapestry of American and Canadian musical landscapes.
3. Examples of Early Influences:
* Folk music: Immigrant folk songs and traditions contributed immensely to American and Canadian musical identity, often influencing the development of popular genres like country and blues.
* Classical music: Composers like Leonard Bernstein (immigrant parents) and Aaron Copland (influenced by American folk music) incorporated elements of immigrant musical styles into their work.
4. The Ongoing Evolution:
* Modernity and Diversity: Today, the impact of immigrant musicians is undeniable. From jazz fusion to Latin pop to hip-hop, the US and Canada are melting pots of musical innovation, with immigrant artists continuing to shape the sound of the present and future.
Conclusion:
The development of new styles of art music by immigrants was not a sudden process but a gradual evolution driven by the complex interplay of cultural influences, societal pressures, and the desire to express a unique artistic voice. Rather than assuming a lack of development, it's crucial to acknowledge the intricate and ongoing contribution of immigrant musicians in enriching and diversifying musical landscapes.