The Folk Music of Peru

Peruvian folk music is a rich and varied tradition that has been passed down through the generations. From the upbeat sounds of the coastal cities to the more traditional music of the highlands, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In this blog, we explore the different types of folk music found in Peru, as well as the instruments and traditions that make this music so special.

Peruvian Folk Music Genres

Peruvian folk music is a product of the diverse cultures that have settled in Peru. It is a genre that is heavily influenced by the music of the Andean region, as well as Afro-Peruvian and European music.

Huayno

Huayno is a genre of Peruvian folk music. It is most commonly associated with the central Andes region of Peru, particularly the cities of Lima and Cuzco. Huayno typically features a charango (a small five-stringed guitar) as the lead instrument, along with a bass instrument (such as a violin or an upright bass), quena (a traditional Peruvian flute), and cajón (a wooden box drum). Other instruments such as zampoñas (panpipes) and Bombo legüero (an Afro-Peruvian drum) may also be used. Huayno emerged in the early 20th century, and has been influenced by various music traditions, including European and African music.

Cajon

Cajon is a recent addition to Peruvian music, only gaining popularity in the last century. It is a wooden box drum which originated in Africa, and was brought to Peru by slaves who were brought over by the Spanish. Cajon is now used in many different genres of music, including folk, rock, and even pop. It is a very versatile instrument, and can be played both solo and in a group.

This type of music originated in the Andean region of Peru, and is characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as charango (a small guitar-like instrument), quena (a flute), zampoña (a type of panpipe), and Cajon. Andean folk music is often very slow and relaxing, and often tells stories or legends. This genre of music is very popular in Peru, and can be heard played in many different places, such as restaurants, bars, and even on the street.

Afro-Peruvian

Afro-Peruvian music is a style of music composed by Afro-Peruvians, which mixes elements of Spanish and African music. It is often characterized by its use of Afro-Peruvian instruments, such as the cajón (a wooden percussion box), quijada (a percussion instrument made from a donkey’s jawbone), and the caja vina (a type of drum).

The most well-known Afro-Peruvian musical style is probably zamacueca, which originated in the city of Lima in the 19th century. Zamacueca is a lively dance music that is often played at Peruvian festivals and celebrations. Other popular Afro-Peruvian styles include landó and festejo.

The History of Peruvian Folk Music

Peruvian folk music has its roots in the music of the indigenous people of Peru. The Spanish conquistadors brought over African slaves to Peru, and their music also influenced the folk music of Peru. Peruvian folk music is also influenced by the music of the Quechua people, who are the largest indigenous group in Peru. The music of the Quechua people is called chicha, and it is very different from the music of the Inca.

Pre-Hispanic Period

The folk music of Peru is a mixture of styles and influences from both the indigenous population and immigrants. The country has a long and varied history, with the earliest music dating back to the pre-Hispanic period. This early music was primarily religious in nature and was used to celebrate ceremonies and rituals. In the 16th century, the Spanish began to colonize Peru and introduced new musical styles from Europe. These styles blended with the existing music to create a unique hybrid style.

Peruvian folk music has undergone several changes in the centuries since its inception. The most significant change occurred in the 20th century, when new technologies allowed for the recording and dissemination of folk music. This led to a wider audience for Peruvian folk music and helped to promote its popularity both within Peru and abroad.

Colonial Period

During the colonial period, Peruvian folk music was heavily influenced by the music of Spain and Africa. The first African slaves were brought to Peru in 1536, and they brought with them the musical traditions of their homeland. These musical traditions blended with the music of the Spanish colonists to create a new, unique form of folk music.

Peruvian folk music began to evolve into its own distinct style in the nineteenth century. This was a time of great economic and social change in Peru, and the folk music reflected these changes. The growing popularity of Peruvian folk music led to the creation of new genres, such as mestizo music and Afro-Peruvian music.

Mestizo music is a mix of Spanish and indigenous influences, while Afro-Peruvian music is a mix of African and indigenous influences. Both genres are very popular in Peru today. Other popular genres of Peruvian folk music include chalga, huayno, and cajonero.

Republican Period

The Republican Period in Peru began in 1821 with the independence of Peru from Spanish rule. This period saw a growth in national pride and the rise of Peruvian music as a means of expression. Folk music became popular during this time, as it was seen as a way to connect with the country’s indigenous roots.

Peruvian folk music is typically based on the sounds of the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest. The music is often lyrical and emotional, reflecting the daily lives of the people who live in these regions. Common instruments used in Peruvian folk music include panpipes, charangos (a type of small guitar), and quenas (flutes).

During the Republican Period,Peruvian folk music began to be influence by other genres, including European classical music and tacquena (a type of Afro-Peruvian music). This resulted in the development of new styles of folk music, such as marinera and chalga. Marinera is a popular coastal dance that is often performed at festivals and fairs. Chalga is a type of highland dance that is known for its energetic footwork and intricate hand movements.

Peruvian folk music has continued to evolve in recent years, incorporating elements from other genres such as rock, hip hop, and reggae. However, the traditional sounds of the Andes and Amazon remain an important part of the country’s musical identity.

The Instruments of Peruvian Folk Music

The charango is one of the most iconic instruments of Peruvian folk music. It is a small guitar-like instrument with 10 strings, traditionally made from the wood of the armadillo. The charango is often used in Peruvian waltzes and other dances. It is also sometimes used in boleros and other love songs.

Charango

The charango is a small, 10-stringed instrument from Peru. It is usually made from the wood of the quince tree, and sometimes has a turtle shell for the back. The charango is used in Peruvian folk music, and is also sometimes called the ” national instrument of Peru”.

Quena

The quena is a traditional Peruvian flute that is commonly used in folk music. It is made from a variety of materials, including bamboo, wood, plastic, and metal. The quena has a distinctive, reedy sound that can be both haunting and beautiful.

Peruvian folk music often features the quena prominently, and it is believed to date back to the Inca Empire. Today, the quena is used in a wide variety of music genres, including traditional folk music, contemporary pop music, and even jazz.

Zampoña

The zampoña is a type of panpipe used in Peruvian folk music. It is often made out of reeds or bamboo, and can have either a single row or double row of pipes. The single row zampoña is more common in the highlands, while the double row zampoña is more common in the lowlands. Zampoñas are often played in pairs, with one player playing the melody and the other playing harmony.

The zampoña is a popular instrument in Peruvian folk music, and has been used by a wide variety of Peruvian artists, including Susana Baca, Eva Ayllón, and Santiago Jimenez Jr.

The Influences on Peruvian Folk Music

Peru is a country with a long and rich history, and its folk music reflects the many influences that have shaped the country over the centuries. From the native Inca and pre-Inca cultures to the Spanish colonialists and the African slaves brought over to work in the mines, all have left their mark on Peruvian folk music. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the influences on Peruvian folk music.

Andean

The music of the Andean region of Peru is probably the best known and most popular type of folk music from the country. Compared to other types of Peruvian music, Andean music is generally more accessible to non-Peruvians because it does not make use of any particularly distinctly Peruvian instruments, and also because Andean music has been significantly influenced by Spanish music.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Andean music is its use of harmonies based on thirds, which gives the music a characteristic sound that is unlike anything else in the world. Andean music is also notable for its use of folk instruments such as quenas (a type of flute), charangos (a type of small guitar), and zampoñas (a type of panpipe).

Spanish

Spanish colonial culture heavily influenced the development of Peruvian folk music. The Spaniards brought with them hundreds of musical instruments, including guitars, harps, violins, and wind instruments. They also introduced new musical styles from Europe, such as the waltz and the polka. African slaves brought their own musical traditions to Peru, resulting in a rich mix of influences.

African

The African influence on Peruvian music is most evident in the coastal areas, particularly in the concerts given by Afro-Peruvian groups. The African presence in Peru dates back to the 16th century, when the Spanish began bringing slaves from West Africa to work on their plantations. These slaves brought with them their own musical traditions, which soon began to mix with those of the Spanish colonists and the indigenous people of Peru. The result was a unique style of music known as Afro-Peruvian music, which combines elements of both African and European musical traditions.

One of the most important aspects of Afro-Peruvian music is the role played by the cajon, a percussion instrument that originated in Africa. The cajon is often used as the main percussion instrument in Afro-Peruvian bands, providing a driving beat for the other instruments to follow. Other percussion instruments used in Afro-Peruvian music include congas, bongos, claves, and maracas. The African influence can also be seen in the use of call-and-response singing, which is a common feature of Afro-Peruvian songs.

The African influence on Peruvian music is most evident in the coastal areas, particularly in the concerts given by Afro-Peruvian groups. The African presence in Peru dates back to the 16th century, when the Spanish began bringing slaves from West Africa to work on their plantations. These slaves brought with them their own musical traditions, which soon began to mix with those of the Spanish colonists and the indigenous people of Peru. The result was a unique style of music known as Afro-Peruvian music, which combines elements of both African and European musical traditions.

One of the most important aspects of Afro-Peruvian music is the role played by the cajon, a percussion instrument that originated in Africa. The cajon is often used as the main percussion instrument in Afro-Peruvian bands, providing a driving beat for the other instruments to follow. Other percussion instruments used in Afro-Peruvian music include congas, bongos, claves, and maracas. The African influence can also be seen in the use of call-and-response singing, which is a common feature of Afro-Peruvian songs.

The Future of Peruvian Folk Music

Peruvian folk music has been around for centuries and is still thriving today. It is a vital part of Peruvian culture and is enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. Folk music in Peru is constantly evolving and adapting to new influences. This has led to a rich and diverse music scene that is beloved by many.

New Generations

It is estimated that there are over thirty million people living in Peru, with the majority being of indigenous descent. While the Andean region has the largest concentration of indigenous peoples, they can be found throughout the country. The indigenous peoples of Peru have a rich cultural heritage that includes a variety of musical traditions.

Andean music is perhaps the best-known type of Peruvian folk music. It is characterized by the use of wind instruments, such as panpipes and quenas, and often features a strong rhythm section. Andean music is often performed at festivals and other celebrations.

Afro-Peruvian music is another type of folk music that has its roots in the traditions brought to Peru by African slaves. This type of music is often characterized by its use of percussion instruments, such as drums and cajones, andby its lively danceable rhythms. Afro-Peruvian music often includes elements of Spanish and Andean music as well.

Amazonian music is also an important part of Peru’s musical tradition. This type of music is typically more subdued than other types of Peruvian folk music, and it often features vocalists accompanied by a single instrument, such as a flute or drum. Amazonian music often has a spiritual or religious focus, and it is sometimes used for healing purposes.

Technology

Technology has had a profound impact on the folk music of Peru. Traditional instruments have been replaced by digital equivalents and the way music is consumed has changed drastically.

Digital Samplers: Samplers are devices that can record and playback sounds. They are often used by DJs to create remixes or to add sound effects to their sets. In the folk music of Peru, samplers are often used to create backing tracks for live performers. This allows soloists or small ensembles to sounding like a much larger group.

Synthesizers: Synthesizers are electronic instruments that can generate a wide range of sounds. They have been used in folk music of Peru since the early 1980s, when they began to replace traditional instruments such as the charango and zampoña.

Computers: Computers have also had a major impact on the folk music of Peru. Music software such as Pro Tools and Logic Pro allow musicians to record, edit and mix their music with ease. In addition, there are now a number of online platforms where musicians can share their music with the world.