From Mozart to Berghain, Rosalía’s LUX Bridges Centuries of Musical Temptation

From Mozart to Berghain: Rosalía’s LUX Bridges Centuries of Musical Temptation

Rosalía's new album LUX connects musical eras by collaborating with the London Symphony Orchestra. Before Beatlemania, there was Lisztomania; before clubbing became popular, people waltzed in beer halls and sang passionate operas. While emotions remain timeless, musical tastes evolve—what was once an alluring 3/4 waltz gave way to the dominant 4/4 rhythm for centuries.

Spirituality and Musical Dialogue

LUX reflects Rosalía's personal spirituality, shaped by her Catholic roots, classical philosophy, new age influences, Islam, and a unique relationship with God. The album, conducted by Daníel Bjarnason, engages in a continuous dialogue with past popular music and ideas.

Philosophical and Structural Influences

Structurally and philosophically, LUX echoes elements of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, portraying the infamous Don Juan figure. In the opera, Don Giovanni repeatedly escapes danger until he faces an unstoppable force and is ultimately dragged to Hell.

“Questo è il fin di chi fa mal, e de’ perfidi la morte alla vita è sempre ugual.”

(“This is the end of one who does evil, and for the wicked, death is like life.”)

LUX challenges Rosalía and her characters with moral peril, culminating in a story about humanity’s ultimate fate: death.

Author's summary: Rosalía’s LUX masterfully blends centuries of musical styles and spiritual themes, creating a profound dialogue between past traditions and contemporary expression.

Consequence — 2025-11-07