LATIN AMERICAN MUSIC

The Latin American countries are the

Spanish-speaking and Portuguese speaking
countries of Central and South America.
Though the music of these countries varies
greatly, a common feature is their rhythmic
vitality.

The Native Indian influence is apparent in

the use of some instruments such as the
maracas and flute, and the sad, haunting
quality of some of the melodies. Spanish
influences include the use of the guitar and
characteristic Spanish rhythms. The main
African influences are the emphasis on
percussion instruments, particularly drums,
and polyrhythmic effects.

ANDEAN MUSIC
Andean music is not restricted to traditional sounds; African rhythms from the coast and
salsa in the cities join to create a musical melting pot.
Andean musicians use a variety of instruments, some even dating to pre-Inca origins.
Wind instruments compromise the majority of traditional music. Quenas are notched-
end blown flutes with a fingering style similar to that of a recorder. They were once
made of llama bone, but are now carved of wood. They produce a pentatonic, or five-
note scale, which to ears trained to a European musical tradition, has a distinctly
melancholy tone to it. The panpipes, also called antaras or zamponas, are played by
blowing across the end of the pipes. This technique produces a breathy sound, which
may be as high-pitched as a birdcall or as deep as the voice of a bassoon. Percussion
is provided by a simple, deep voiced frame drum, called a tambar or a bombo.
The arrival of the Spaniards in the 1520s influenced Andean music with the introduction
of strings. The result is a marriage of traditional and Hispanic instruments, which have
evolved into uniquely Andean instruments, such as the charango, a small mandolin,
made from the shell of an armadillo.
The Andean harp is another example, with its great, boat-like, half-conical sounding-
box.
The African influence in Andean music cannot be overlooked. Black slaves came
to South America from different parts of Africa; thus their music became a mixture of
these different regional forms. Gradually African music blended with Andean and
Spanish rhythms, to emerge as music criolla. Dance grew up alongside Afro-Andean
music
Video Clip : El Condor Pasa

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION TIMBRE

DESCRIPTION
Panpipes
Rattles
Quena
Charango
Bombo

Musical Features :

1.
2.
3.
4.

MEXICAN MUSIC
Music is a very important part of Mexican culture and is always part of a celebration,
whether big or small. The music of Mexico sings of love, country, passion, history, legend
and oppression, among other things. Here are three vibrant genres of traditional
Mexican music explained.
Mariachi

Mariachi music is the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Mexican music.
The term Mariachi is believed to be originated from the French term mariage which
means marriage, as this music was often played at weddings. Mariachis also play at
quinceaeras (girls 15th birthday parties), on Mothers Day, and they are often used to
serenade women on their birthday. The band usually consists of violins, trumpets, a
classical guitar and a vihuela (a five string guitar). Musicians wear a traditional silver
studded Charro suit, including a sombrero. Mariachi music is said to have originated in
the state of Jalisco in the 19th century.
Ranchera

Ranchera music draws on traditional folklore and its songs are usually about love,
patriotism or nature. El Grito Mexicano a yell that is done during instrumental
interludes either by the musicians or by members of the audience is common in
Ranchera music. The word Ranchera was derived from the word rancho because the
music originated on the ranches of rural Mexico. Ranchera music is said to have been
born of a new national consciousness during the Mexican revolution in reaction to the
aristocratic tastes of the era. Rancheras are varied and can reflect the tempo of a waltz, a
polka or a bolero.
____________
Norteo (Grupero)

The accordion and the bajo sexto (a twelve string guitar) are Norteos most
characteristic instruments. In the late 19th century European migrants brought the
accordion, waltz and polka, from their homeland to Northern Mexico (hence the name
Norteo which means Northern) and the U.S. Southwest. Local bands adopted these
elements, blended them with their Ranchera music, and a new genre was born. The
tempo is usually middle or fast. Tejano or Tex-Mex music is often confused with
Norteo, however Tejano is a blend of Norteo and American rock and country music.
Grupo Pesado is the leader in Norteo music today.
Although the people of Mexico listen to music from all over the world and also
produce their own forms of modern music, traditional Mexican music continues to be
very popular with people of all ages. These traditional forms of Mexican music are
undeniably colorful, filled with passion and were created in the origins of this culturally
rich country.

Video Clip :
1. How is the music structured ? ____________________________________
2. Describe the TIMBRE of the trumpets here ____________________________________
3. What is the time signature of the piece ? _______ does it change ? ______________
4. Are there any textural changes ?