De preferencia is a contemporary Mexican art song by José Enrique González Medina, set to a poem by Rosina Conde. It is the second song of the cycle Cinco canciones tijuanenses, from El cancionero bajacaliforniano (2003–2006), presented here in its 2023 chamber version for baritone, bassoon, and piano.
With wit, irony, and theatrical flair, the poem satirizes traditional gender expectations through the voice of a job advertisement seeking the "ideal" domestic worker. As the text unfolds, the seemingly ordinary list of household skills gradually reveals a deeper critique of social stereotypes, culminating in the repeated refrain "De preferencia bilingüe" ("Preferably bilingual"), exposing the absurdity of ever-growing demands placed upon women.
González Medina enhances the humor through lively rhythms, sharp musical gestures, and vivid exchanges between the baritone and bassoon. The instrumental writing mirrors the text's playful character, while the piano drives the dramatic pacing with energetic harmonic and rhythmic textures. The result is a work that combines social commentary with theatrical expressiveness and contemporary chamber writing.
As part of Cinco canciones tijuanenses, De preferencia reflects the literary voice of Baja California while offering performers a compelling and engaging addition to the contemporary Spanish-language art song repertoire.
Instrumentation: Baritone, Bassoon, and Piano
Voice Type: Baritone
Language: Spanish
Composer: José Enrique González Medina (Mexico)
Poet: Rosina Conde (Mexico)
Collection: Cinco canciones tijuanenses, from El cancionero bajacaliforniano (2003–2006), version for baritone, bassoon, and piano (2023)
De preferencia is a contemporary Mexican art song by José Enrique González Medina, set to a poem by Rosina Conde. It is the second song of the cycle Cinco canciones tijuanenses, from El cancionero bajacaliforniano (2003–2006), presented here in its 2023 chamber version for baritone, bassoon, and piano.
With wit, irony, and theatrical flair, the poem satirizes traditional gender expectations through the voice of a job advertisement seeking the "ideal" domestic worker. As the text unfolds, the seemingly ordinary list of household skills gradually reveals a deeper critique of social stereotypes, culminating in the repeated refrain "De preferencia bilingüe" ("Preferably bilingual"), exposing the absurdity of ever-growing demands placed upon women.
González Medina enhances the humor through lively rhythms, sharp musical gestures, and vivid exchanges between the baritone and bassoon. The instrumental writing mirrors the text's playful character, while the piano drives the dramatic pacing with energetic harmonic and rhythmic textures. The result is a work that combines social commentary with theatrical expressiveness and contemporary chamber writing.
As part of Cinco canciones tijuanenses, De preferencia reflects the literary voice of Baja California while offering performers a compelling and engaging addition to the contemporary Spanish-language art song repertoire.
Instrumentation: Baritone, Bassoon, and Piano
Voice Type: Baritone
Language: Spanish
Composer: José Enrique González Medina (Mexico)
Poet: Rosina Conde (Mexico)
Collection: Cinco canciones tijuanenses, from El cancionero bajacaliforniano (2003–2006), version for baritone, bassoon, and piano (2023)
