9 MU - Latin american sounds: world music

Styles and their influences of Laitn american sounds

Styles from:

• South America

• Central America

• Caribbean

• Rich blend of influences:

• European( especially Iberian,

• Amerindian (Native American)

• African 

• Mestizo (mixed race of indigenous Spanish or Portuguese. acculturated)

what about Latin American sounds?

It reflects and shows regions complex history and cultural diversity

Significant or big impact on global music trends

Amerindian (native american) Influences

Pre colonial music( before colonization)

Limited evidence from Aztec, Inca and Maya civilizations

Instruments: 

• Mainly Percussion instruments(drums)

• wind instruments ( flutes)

Modern andean music:

Vertical flutes and panpipes

• Adopted European instruments:

  • Harps

  • Guitars

  • Bass

  • drums

• Mesoamerica adaptations (central america and mexico)

Harps, fiddles and guitars based on Spanish models

Marimbas of African origin

European (Iberian) Influences

Many latin american dance have Iberian origins

Common instruments: Harps, Fiddles, guitars. (trumpet)

 Song structures derived from Spanish verse forms (copla, decima)

(Often spanish)

Characteristics: Couple dances, shoe tapping, scarf waving.

DANCES European (Iberian) Influences

Popular dances genres:

• Desafio (Brazil)

• Cueca (Chile and Bolivia)

• Joropo (Venezuela)

• Sones and Corrido (Mexico)

• Seis (Puerto Rico)

• Punto (Cuba)

African Influences

Strongest in The Caribbean and Brazil

Key musical features:

• Call and response singing

• Polyrhythms

• Ostinato: Repetitive musical figures

• Improvisation based on shot phrases

African-derived instruments:

• Conga drums

• Iron gongs

• Marcas and shekere(rattles)

• Marimbas

• Claves (concussion sticks)

Popular Latin American Genres

Calypso (Trinidad) : 

• Associated with pre-Lenten carnival

• Witty humorous lyrics on social issues

• Often accompanied by steel drum bands

Rumba ( Cuba)

• Medium-to-fast polyrhythmic song and dance

• Three-part form: Introduction, improvised verse, call and response

• Typically accompanied by conga drums and sticks

Merengue (Dominican Republic):

• Popular vocal and dance style

• Fast duple meter rhythm

• Instrments: accordion, tambora drum, guayo scrape

Global impact of Latin American Music

Influenced popular music worldwide, along with jazz

Incorporated into Asian film songs and middle eastern belly dancing

Popular in african music since 1930s

Flamenco rumba: cultural exchange between Spain and Cuba

Internationally popular genres:

• Bolero - slow romantic genre of latin music (cuban)

• Salsa - happy and upbeat (afro-cuban)

• Cha-Cha-Cha (cuban)

  • Energy and playfulness

• Tango (argentina and uruguay) violin

  • Fierce, dramatic, energetic

• Samba (afro-brazilian) 

  • Strong, characteristic rhythmic pattern,

  • Joy excitement

• Bossa nova (brazilian) - blends samba and jazz harmonies

  • Mellow contentment, warmth, wistful melancholy

Conclusion: The Rich Tapestry of Latin American Music

It has a diverse blend of cultural influences from countries like, mestizo, Iberian, amerindian, and african. They’re music styles from south america, central ameria and caribbean.

Significant contribution and impact on world music

Continues to evolve and inspire new genres

Reflects on the region's history, diversity, and creativity

Encourages cultural diversity and appreciation all round the world.

• Astor Piazzolla

• (Argentina)
  • Incorporation of traditional folk and tribal music elements