The Garland Handbook Of Latin American Music Part Three: Nations and Musical Traditions, South America, Venezuela

Venezuela  Cultural Heritage European and African influences predominate European and African influences predominate Spanish origins reflect influence of Arabic, Islamic, and West Asian sourcesSpanish origins reflect influence of Arabic, Islamic, and West Asian sources African influence shares common roots with those in Caribbean (Mainly West and Central African in origin)African influence shares common roots with those in Caribbean (Mainly West and Central African in origin) Indigenous musical traditions survive primarily in Amazon region, Orinoco Delta, and Guajira Peninsula Indigenous musical traditions survive primarily in Amazon region, Orinoco Delta, and Guajira Peninsula Share similar characteristics and functions with other low- land indigenous communities (see Tropical Forest Region and Warao)Share similar characteristics and functions with other low- land indigenous communities (see Tropical Forest Region and Warao)

Venezuelan music  Música Criolla Refers to music originating among Venezuelans of mixed origin Refers to music originating among Venezuelans of mixed origin Criolla (Creole)—term takes on different meanings in different parts of Latin America Criolla (Creole)—term takes on different meanings in different parts of Latin America i.e., may likewise refer to music and traditions of purely European descenti.e., may likewise refer to music and traditions of purely European descent In Venezuela, refers to confluence of European, Amerindian, and African heritageIn Venezuela, refers to confluence of European, Amerindian, and African heritage  Instruments Reflect cultural origins Reflect cultural origins Indigenous contribution primarily Idiophones and areophones (i.e., maracas, palos, turas, panpipes, and conch trumpets)Indigenous contribution primarily Idiophones and areophones (i.e., maracas, palos, turas, panpipes, and conch trumpets) European primarily chordophones and certain membranophones (i.e., cuatro, harp, and redoblante)European primarily chordophones and certain membranophones (i.e., cuatro, harp, and redoblante) African primarily membranophones and idiophones (i.e. minas, redondos, tambores, and quituplás)African primarily membranophones and idiophones (i.e. minas, redondos, tambores, and quituplás)

Contexts and Genres  Folk Catholicism Refers to character and nature of Catholic Church as it developed in Latin America Refers to character and nature of Catholic Church as it developed in Latin America Often blurs distinction between sacred and secular Often blurs distinction between sacred and secular Provides context for many Venezuelan musical genres Provides context for many Venezuelan musical genres i.e., Saint-day celebrations, vigils, and Corpus Cristii.e., Saint-day celebrations, vigils, and Corpus Cristi Exhibits no clear links with African religious belief systems (as in Cuba, Haiti, and Brazil) Exhibits no clear links with African religious belief systems (as in Cuba, Haiti, and Brazil)  Secular contexts and genres Seasonal music Seasonal music Christmastime and year-end musicChristmastime and year-end music Parranda and aguinaldos Parranda and aguinaldos Gaitas Gaitas Dance music Dance music JoropoJoropo National dance of Venezuela National dance of Venezuela Reflects blend of European and African musical elements Reflects blend of European and African musical elements Refers to to both genre and event Refers to to both genre and event Several regional variants of ensemble Several regional variants of ensemble

Venezuelan Music and Identity  The Joropo Various regional variations of the genre known generically as joropo can be heard throughout Venezuela. Considering the characterization of Venezuelan national identity as “criollo,” how might the joropo reflect the ideal of cultural blending? Various regional variations of the genre known generically as joropo can be heard throughout Venezuela. Considering the characterization of Venezuelan national identity as “criollo,” how might the joropo reflect the ideal of cultural blending? Questions for discussion: Questions for discussion: What aspects of the joropo might be considered European, African, Indigenous?What aspects of the joropo might be considered European, African, Indigenous? Where else in Latin America do we see similar combinations of instruments, rhythms, and other musical elements?Where else in Latin America do we see similar combinations of instruments, rhythms, and other musical elements? Consider why regional genres might differ. Where else in Latin America do we see this kind of variation with a single generic song/dance form?Consider why regional genres might differ. Where else in Latin America do we see this kind of variation with a single generic song/dance form?