MUSIC IN LATIN AMERICA
Music in Latin America is extremely diverse
There are three typical Latin American instrument groups
Indigenous (Pre-Columbian) instruments
European instruments
and African instruments
The fiesta in Paucartambo celebrates Catholic and Inca religions
Each dance group at the fiesta is accompanied by its own band
Traditional Dance, Chunchos of Paucartambo. Textbook CD 3, track 3
Traditional dance and song: “Qollas Despedida.” Textbook CD 3, track 4
La Pastorita Huaracina (Maria Alvarado), “Quisiera Olvidarte La Pastorita Huaracina (Maria Alvarado), “Quisiera Olvidarte.” Textbook CD 3, track 5.
Mestizo musical values and styles in Mexico have strong regional identities
The three main regional styles are Son Jarocho, Son Huasteco, and Mariachi
Son Huasteca: “El Gustito.” Textbook CD 3, track 6
Native American musical values and styles reflect a collective orientation to social life
Aymara panpipe ensemble Textbook CD 3, track 7
The Suyá, an Amazonian Indian group with a vocal music culture in Brazil, maintain a collective style of music
African American musical values and styles in Ecuador and Colombia
Marimba dance, Textbook CD 3, track 8
African American musical values and musical styles in Brazil
West African-derived musical styles, concepts, and instruments are found in Brazilian candomblé
Other candomblé cults in the Bahía region demonstrate varying levels of acculturation
The candomblé ensembles are typically African
Urban popular music is a diverse example of syncretism
Summary
The Latin American continent encompasses many different types of societies, each with their own musical traditions
Mestizo cultures have become a common denominator influencing many forms of Latin American music
In each region, different combinations of European and Native influences occurred
Mestizo music is characterized by European harmonies and complex African rhythms
The guitar—in many variants—is the most common stringed instrument
Native American musical performances tend to be group events
Afro-Latin American music is a combination of African, European, and Native influences
Discussion Questions
Why would different types of flutes be prone for use in Peru?
How might we catalogue the guitar variants that developed throughout Latin America from colonial times?
What examples of sesquialtera might we find in classical music or the popular music of our culture?
In what ways might marimba playing be compared to Shona mbira playing?
Panpipes were as prevalent in ancient Greek and Roman societies as they have been in Peru. What might be the connection, if there is any? Are the two traditions completely unrelated? If so, why can’t they be related?
Why and how did West African religion and music bind with Catholicism in Brazil in the form of candomblé?