Folk Music in Argentina

Argentina is a land of many cultures and traditions, one of which is folk music. This genre of music is often passed down from generation to generation and is an important part of Argentine heritage.

Origins

Argentine folk music, like the folk music of most Latin American countries, has its roots in the music of the indigenous people of the continent. In Argentina, the native people are the Mapuche, who live in the south of the country, in the area known as the Lake District. The Mapuche have a rich musical tradition, and their music is characterized by its use of the Paraguayan harp, as well as by its melancholy and plaintive lyrics.

European influences

Folk music in Argentina is heavily influenced by European music, particularly that of Spain and Italy. This can be seen in the use of traditional instruments such as the bandoneón, the Spanish guitar, and the Italian accordion. Argentine folk music also has influences from the music of other Latin American countries, such as Uruguay, Chile, and Bolivia. The native people of Argentina, the Mapuche, also play a significant role in folk music in Argentina.

Indigenous influences

Argentina’s folk music has been influenced by a number of factors, including the country’s indigenous population, European immigrants, and foreign traditions. Argentine folk music includes a wide variety of styles, from the traditional to the modern.

The country’s indigenous population has had a significant impact on Argentine folk music, both in terms of its musical traditions and instruments. The most well-known indigenous music is from the northwestern province of Salta, which is home to the diaguita people. This music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the charango (a small guitar-like instrument) and quena (a type of flute).

European immigrants, particularly those from Spain and Italy, also played a role in shaping Argentine folk music. These immigrants brought with them their own musical traditions, which they mixing with the existing indigenous and African influences. For example, the Italian-influenced chacarera is a popular Argentine folk dance that originated in the 19th century.

Foreign traditions have also had an impact on Argentine folk music. One notable example is the influence of Caribbean rhythms on chacarera. This can be seen in the use of Afro-Cuban percussion instruments such as bongos and congas in chacarera bands.

Popularity

Folk music in Argentina has been on the rise in recent years. More and more people are becoming interested in the traditional music of the country. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of Argentine culture globally.

Tango

The popularity of tango music and dance waxed and waned in the early part of the 20th century, but it experienced a renaissance in the 1980s and now enjoys immense popularity throughout South America, Europe, and North America. The earliest tango music was played on flute, guitar, and bandoneón (a concertina-like instrument), but later orchestras added violins, piano, and even saxophone. The typical tango orchestra has about 10 players.

Folk music today

Folk music, also known as traditional music, is music that has been passed down orally, through singing and story-telling. It is music that is a part of a culture, and often tells the stories of that culture. Folk music has been around for centuries, and has evolved over time to reflect the changing world.

Folk music was once popular all over the world, but today it is mostly heard in small pockets. In some parts of the world, such as Europe and North America, folk music has been All but replaced by other genres. But in other parts of the world, such as South America and Asia, folk music is still going strong.

Argentina is one of those places where folk music is still popular. Folk music has been a part of Argentine culture for centuries, and today it can be heard all over the country. There are many different types of Argentine folk music, from the energetic chacarera to the plaintive tonadas. Folk music is enjoyed by people of all ages in Argentina, and can be heard in bars, clubs, and even on the radio.

Instruments

Argentine folk music is music developed in Argentina by the local people. There are many different types of folk music in Argentina, and each region has its own unique style. The most commonly used instruments in Argentine folk music are the guitar, charango, bandoneón, and accordion.

The bandoneon

The bandoneon is a type of accordion that originated in Germany in the early 1800s. It was later introduced to Argentina by immigrants from Europe, and it quickly became one of the most popular instruments in the country. The bandoneon has a unique sound that is essential to the traditional Argentine folk music known as tango.

The guitar

The guitar is the most popular instrument in Argentina, and is used in almost all traditional music styles. There are two main types of guitar: the acoustic guitar and the electric guitar. The acoustic guitar is the most popular type of guitar in Argentina, and is used in folk music, tango, and other traditional music styles. The electric guitar is less common, but is used in rock, pop, and other modern music styles.

Notable Folk Musicians

Argentine folk music, also known as música folklórica, is a genre that consists of the musical traditions of Argentina. It is often performed at cultural events and celebrations. Some of the most notable folk musicians in Argentina include Atahualpa Yupanqui, Facundo Cabral, and Mercedes Sosa.

Atahualpa Yupanqui

Atahualpa Yupanqui (born Héctor Roberto Chavero Aharoni; 31 January 1908 – 23 May 1992) was an Argentine folk musician, songwriter, composer and performer.

Yupanqui’s oeuvre is considered to be among the most important Latin American folk music collections of the 20th century. He is popularly known as “El Chabalo” (“The Shackleton”). Yupanqui saved and transformed Argentine folk music, which was in danger of being extinguished by Cultural Institution policies. His repertoire included over three thousand compositions, which ranged from indigenous-inspired pieces to love songs, patriotic anthems and protest pieces.

Yupanqui’s lyrics expressed the pain of the marginalised people of Argentina and Latin America, and helped to spread the popular understanding of Folk music as a legitimate art form. He is still widely respected in Argentina and across Latin America, and his music continues to be popular today.

Mercedes Sosa

Mercedes Sosa, born in 1935, was an Argentine folk singer who was popular throughout Latin America and many Spanish-speaking countries. She is considered one of the most important figures in contemporary Latin American music. Sosa rose to prominence in the 1960s during the height of the Nueva Canción movement, which saw singers such as Victor Jara and Violeta Parra revolutionize Latin American music with socially conscious lyrics and a focus on traditional folk styles. Sosa’s music often dealt with social justice issues, and she was an outspoken critic of repressive military regimes in Argentina and elsewhere. In 1976, she was forced into exile after a military junta came to power in Argentina; she eventually returned to her homeland in 1982. Sosa continued to record and perform until her death in 2009.