The Best of Argentine Folk Music
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Looking for some new music to add to your collection? Check out our roundup of the best Argentine folk music. From traditional ballads to upbeat anthems, there’s something for everyone.
Argentine folk music history
Argentine folk music, like that of its neighbors, Buenos Aires and Uruguay, has been shaped by the influence of European migrants. In the nineteenth century, immigrants from Italy and Spain brought their own folk traditions with them, and these have had a lasting impact on the music of Argentina. Argentine folk music also includes indigenous traditions from the country’s native population.
Folk music has always been an important part of Argentine culture, and the country has produced some of the most famous folk musicians in South America. Among these are Atahualpa Yupanqui, Mercedes Sosa, Viktor Mora, and Jorge Cafrune. Argentine folk music often includes elements of rock and roll, as well as jazz and other international influences.
The best of Argentine folk music
If you are looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy music, you should consider checking out Argentine folk music. This type of music is often lively and upbeat, and it can be a great way to improve your mood. Argentine folk music is also a great way to connect with your heritage and learn more about your culture.
Atahualpa Yupanqui
Atahualpa Yupanqui, born in Argentina in 1908, is one of the most important figures in Argentine folk music. His work is characterized by its focus on the land and the people of Argentina, and his music often tells stories of the hardships faced by rural Argentines. Yupanqui was also a political activist, and his songs often contained messages of social justice. He died in 1992, but his music continues to be popular in Argentina and around the world.
Mercedes Sosa
Regarded as one of the best-known and most influential vocalists of her generation, Mercedes Sosa enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned more than six decades. A native of Argentina, she began her career in the early 1950s, singing in small clubs and cafes in Buenos Aires. Her big break came in 1963 when she was invited to participate in a televised music festival; her performance earned her widespread acclaim, and she went on to release her debut album the following year.
Sosa became known for her interpretations of Argentine folk music, and she quickly became one of the country’s most popular singers. In the 1970s, she began experimenting with other genres, including tango and jazz, and she also began incorporating political themes into her music. She continued to be a leading force in Argentine music throughout the remainder of her life, releasing more than 60 albums and receiving numerous awards and accolades. She died in 2009 at the age of 74.
Victor Jara
Victor Jara was one of the most important and influential figures in Argentine folk music. A singer, songwriter, and guitarist, he was an outspoken critic of the country’s military dictatorship and a champion of the working class. He was brutally murdered by the regime, but his music continues to inspire people around the world.
The influence of Argentine folk music
Argentine folk music has been around for centuries and has been constantly evolving. It has been influenced by various cultures, including the nativeMapuche people, Spanish settlers, and African slaves. Argentine folk music is typically very lively and upbeat, and it often features the use of traditional instruments such as the bombo drums and the charango.
On Latin American music
Argentine folk music, like much of Latin American music, has been influenced by the music of the indigenous peoples of the Americas, Afro-Argentines, Europeans (particularly Spaniards and Italians), and Arabs. Folk music from Argentina typically includes a variety of instruments, such as the bomba and plena from Puerto Rico, the guitar, flute, and accordion.
Argentine folk music has also been influenced by gaucho culture, which is why many folk songs from Argentina are about the gauchos and their way of life. One of the most popular Argentine folk songs is “La Bamba”, which originated in Veracruz, Mexico. Argentine folk music is also often played at cultural festivals and celebrations, such as Carnival and Easter.
If you’re interested in learning more about Argentine folk music, there are many resources available online. You can also find Argentine folk musicians who perform at concerts and festivals around the world.
On popular culture
Argentine folk music has had a significant influence on popular culture, both in Argentina and elsewhere. The music is lively and often reflects the local culture and traditions. It is typically played on the guitar or violin, and is sometimes accompanied by accordion or bandoneón.
Argentine folk music has been used in films such as The Motorcycle Diaries and Evita, and has even been featured on the hit TV show Glee. In addition, many popular Argentine artists have their roots in folk music, including Mercedes Sosa and Astor Piazzolla.
If you’re interested in learning more about Argentine folk music, there are plenty of resources available online. You can also find a number of Folk Festivals taking place around the world each year, which is a great way to experience the music firsthand.