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.”

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?