Randall Kohl on the Music of Orizaban guitarist Octaviano Yanez and the Belle Epoque

Dr. Randall Kohl will give an illustrated talk on guitarist Octaviano Yáñez and the music of Mexico’s “Belle Époque.” A native of the city of Orizaba in the Mexican state of Veracruz, Octaviano Yáñez (1865-1927) was considered Mexico’s finest classical musician during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Though absent from many histories and repertoire, Yáñez was one of the first guitarists ever recorded, having been sought after by the Edison and Victor companies; those original cylinder recordings are valuable collectors’ items today.

A Professor of Music at the Universidad Veracruzana, Mexico, Dr. Kohl is also a member of Mexico’s Sistema Nacional de Investigadores (National System of Researchers). He is a specialist on the classical and folk music traditions of Mexico, Hawai’i, America, Europe, and Asia, and has recorded the music of and published an anthology on Octaviano Yáñez.

The talk and free lunch are open to the public, and take place at the Gendebien Room, Skillman Library.