The Music of Latin America with Robin Moore
Contents
Robin Moore is a musicologist, author, and Latin American music expert. In this blog, he discusses the various types of music found in Latin America and its influences.
Introduction
The music of Latin America refers to the musical styles and traditions of Latin America. Latin American music is incredibly diverse, as the region is home to a number of different cultures and traditions. Music from Latin America often has a strong African influence, as many of the region’s inhabitants are of African descent. This African influence can be heard in the rhythms and percussion instruments used in Latin American music.
Latin American music encompasses a wide range of genres, from traditional folk music to modern pop. Some of the more popular genres include samba, bossa nova, ranchera, merengue, mariachi, bolero, tango, and salsa. Latin American music has also had a significant impact on mainstream American music, particularly in the genres of jazz and rock ‘n’ roll.
Robin Moore is a Grammy-winning ethnomusicologist and author who has spent over 50 years studying and writing about the music of Latin America. In this course, Professor Moore provides an overview of the history and diversity of Latin American music. He explores the various musical styles and traditions that originated in different parts of the region, and he discusses how these traditions have been influenced by both European and African cultures.
The music of Latin America – an overview
The music of Latin America is extremely varied and covers a wide range of styles, from the simple and elegant sound of the guitarra to the complex and powerful rhythms of the salsa. Latin American music is a huge influence on the music of the world, and has been for many years. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the history and influences of Latin American music.
The influence of African music
The music of Latin America has been shaped by the various cultures that have inhabited the region. African music was brought to the Americas by slaves who were forcibly brought to the region from Africa. This African influence is evident in the music of Brazil, where African rhythms and percussion instruments are prominently featured. Cuban music also has an African influence, as evidenced by the use of Yoruba chants and rhythms in Cuban folkloric music and songs such as “La Bamba.”
The influence of European music
It is widely accepted that the music of Latin America has been greatly influenced by the music of Europe. This is evident in the fact that many of the instruments used in Latin American music have their origins in Europe, and much of the music itself has a distinctly European flavour. However, there are also many elements of Latin American music that are uniquely different from anything found in Europe.
The influence of indigenous music
The influence of indigenous music on the music of Latin America is undeniable. After all, the native peoples of Latin America were making music long before the Europeans arrived. Indigenous music has influenced everything from the instruments used to the rhythms and melodies found in contemporary Latin American music.
One of the most obvious examples of indigenous influence can be found in the mariachi bands of Mexico. Mariachi bands typically include stringed instruments like guitars and violins, as well as trumpets and a type of guitar called a vihuela. The vihuela, in particular, is thought to have originated with the Maya people of Mexico.
The rhythms found in salsa, merengue, and bachata can also be traced back to indigenous roots. For example, the Cuban musical style known as son montuno is believed to have originated with the Congo people who were brought to Cuba as slaves. The African influence can also be heard in Brazilian samba and Carnaval music.
The music of Latin America – a closer look
The music of Latin America is a wide and varied topic, encompassing many different styles and genres. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular and influential types of Latin American music. From the catchy rhythms of salsa to the soulful sounds ofbossa nova, there’s something for everyone in the music of Latin America.
The music of Mexico
Mexico is a land full of contrast, color and vibrancy, and its music reflects these aspects of the country’s culture. From the traditional mariachi bands that perform in the street, to the ranchera music that celebrates the country’s heritage, to the more modern pop and rock bands that are popular today, there is a wealth of musical styles to be found in Mexico.
Mariachi is perhaps the best-known type of Mexican music, and these bands usually consist of violins, guitars, trumpets and maracas. The music is upbeat and often features on corridos, which are folk songs that tell stories (usually of love or heroism). Ranchera is another popular genre, and this is similar to mariachi music but with a more sentimental tone. It often tells stories of loss or unrequited love, and has been described as the ‘romantic version of mariachi’.
Popular Mexican music has been influenced by a number of different genres over the years, including rock ‘n’ roll (billboardtopping band Maná are one example), reggae (Don Carlos was a successful Jamaican singer who relocated to Mexico in the 1970s), disco (Banda El Recodo had a huge hit with their song ‘La Banda del Carro Rojo’ in 1978) and even metal (Molotov are a Mexican rap-metal band who have enjoyed success both at home and abroad).
Whether you’re looking for traditional Mexican sounds or something a little more modern, there is sure to be a style of music to suit your taste.
The music of Cuba
Cuba is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its rich culture, including its music. The music of Cuba is a mix of African and European influences. African elements include the use of percussion instruments and call-and-response singing. European influences include the use of brass instruments and harmonies. Cuban music has been influenced by other genres as well, including jazz and rock.
The music of Cuba is very vibrant and lively. It often features Cuban instruments such as the maracas, bongos, and congas. Cuban music is also known for its catchy rhythms. Cuban dances such as the rumba and the cha-cha-cha are very popular.
If you want to experience the music of Cuba, there are many ways to do so. You can listen to Cuban music online, or you can attend a concert or festival featuring Cuban musicians. You can also visit Cuba itself to experience the music firsthand!
The music of Brazil
Brazilian music is extremely diverse, with influences from Africa, Europe, and the indigenous people of the country. The most well-known type of Brazilian music is bossa nova, which became popular in the 1960s. Bossa nova is a style of Brazilian jazz that combines elements of samba and cool jazz. Other popular styles of Brazilian music include sertanejo (a type of country music), MPB (Brazilian pop), and axé (a style originating in Bahia).
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed learning about the music of Latin America with Robin Moore. If you would like to continue your studies, we suggest checking out some of the resources listed below.
-The website for the Smithsonian Folkways record label offers a wealth of material on world music, including many recordings from Latin America: http://www.folkways.si.edu
-The website for World Music Central also provides a wealth of information on world music, including Latin American music: http://worldmusiccentral.org
-The Afropop Worldwide website includes articles, podcasts, and video features on a wide variety of global music genres, including many from Latin America: http://afropop.org
