South American Folk Music: A Brief Overview
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South American folk music is a rich and varied tradition, with influences from a variety of cultures. In this post, we’ll give a brief overview of some of the most popular genres and artists.
Introduction
South American folk music is a genre of music that takes various forms across the continent. It includes traditional music from indigenous groups, Afro-South American music, and European-influenced (mainly Spanish and Portuguese) music.
The traditional music of South America is very diverse, and includes a wide range of styles such as zarzuela (a form of Spanish musical theatre), tango (a genre that originated in Argentina and Uruguay), fado (a Portuguese music style), samba (a Brazilian music style), chamame (an Afro-Argentinean music style), and many others.
A number of South American folk musicians have become internationally renowned, such as Argentina’s Atahualpa Yupanqui, Brazil’s Caetano Veloso, Chile’s Victor Jara, Colombia’s Shakira, and Venezuela’s Simon Diaz.
What is South American Folk Music?
South American folk music is a genre of music that encompasses a wide variety of styles, including traditional folk music, indigenous music, and modern folk music. South American folk music has its roots in the music of the indigenous people of the continent, and has been influenced by European and African music over the centuries. Today, South American folk music is enjoyed by people all over the world.
Characteristics of South American Folk Music
South American folk music is characterized by its varied origins, which can be traced back to the continent’s indigenous peoples, African slaves, and European colonists. Music and dance play an important role in many South American cultures, and folk music is often used for ceremonial and religious purposes.
Common musical instruments used in South American folk music include zampoñas (pan flutes), charangos (small guitars), and quenas (flutes). Other instruments include drums, percussion instruments, and woodwind instruments.
South American folk music often has a distinctive rhythm that is influenced by the music of the continent’s African slaves. The rhythms are usually fast-paced and lively, making them perfect for dancing. Many South American folk dances are performed in a circle, with dancers moving their feet and legs in time with the music. Popular dances include the cumbia, the salsa, and the samba.
The lyrics of South American folk songs often deal with topics such as love, nature, work, and religion. The melodies are usually simple and easy to sing along to. Many folk songs are passed down from generation to generation, and new ones are constantly being created.
History of South American Folk Music
South American folk music has a long and rich history dating back to the early days of the continent’s colonization. Although it has been influenced by a variety of cultures over the years, including African, European, and indigenous music, it has maintained its own unique identity.
One of the most important aspects of South American folk music is its use of traditional instruments. These include instruments like the charango (a small guitar-like instrument), the quena (a flute), and the cajon (a box-like drum). Other instruments, such as the violin and piano, are also often used in folk music.
Another important element of South American folk music is its use of traditional dances. These dances are often used to tell stories or to celebrate special occasions. Some of the most popular dances include the Cueca (a Chilean dance), the Zamba (an Argentinean dance), and the Candombe (an Uruguayan dance).
South American folk music has also been influenced by a number of different styles over the years. One of the most obvious influences is that of European classical music, which can be heard in many of the continent’s folk songs. African music has also had a significant impact on South American folk music, particularly in Brazil where it has helped to create styles like Samba and Bossa Nova.
The Various Types of South American Folk Music
There are many different types of South American folk music, each with their own unique history and musical style. Some of the most popular types of South American folk music include samba, choro, and bossa nova. In this article, we’ll give a brief overview of each of these popular genres of music.
Andean Folk Music
South American folk music is incredibly diverse, owing to the continent’s varied history and demographics. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at some of the most popular genres of South American folk music, including Andean folk music, Brazilian samba, Argentine tango, and Columbian cumbia.
Andean folk music is perhaps the best-known type of South American folk music outside of the continent. This genre is characterized by its use of traditional Andean instruments, such as panpipes and charangos (a type of small guitar), and often features percussion instruments and flutes. The music is often accompanied by dance, and lyrics are typically in Spanish or Quechua (the indigenous language of the Andes).
Brazilian samba is another very popular type of South American folk music. This genre developed in the early 20th century in the state of Bahia, in northeastern Brazil. Samba is characterized by its upbeat tempo and lively rhythms, and is often played on drums and guitars. Lyrics are usually in Portuguese, though they may also be in African languages such as Yoruba or Fon.
Argentine tango is another well-known type of South American folk music. This genre originated in the late 19th century in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tango is characterized by its sensual melodies and rhythms, which are often played on guitars and bandoneons (a type of accordion). Lyrics are usually in Spanish or Italian.
Columbian cumbia is a type of South American folk music that originated in Colombia in the early 20th century. This genre is characterized by its use of traditional Colombian instruments such as maracas and gaitas (a type of flute), as well as Afro-Colombian percussion instruments. Lyrics are typically in Spanish or one of Colombia’s many indigenous languages.
Amazonian Folk Music
The music of the Amazon basin of South America is characterized by its use of harmonies and percussion, as well as its focus on the Carnival celebration. Amazonian folk music has been influenced by both indigenous and Europeans traditions, and has in turn influenced Brazilian popular music.
Some of the most famous Amazonian folk musicians include Luiz Gonzaga, who popularized the style of music known as “forró”, and João do Pife, who is considered to be the first Brazilian musician to record an album of Amazonian folk music.
Argentine Folk Music
Argentine folk music, like Latin American music in general, includes a wide variety of styles. Folk music has been influenced by the country’s indigenous peoples, as well as by immigrant groups from Europe and Africa. Argentine folk music is often divided into three primary regions: the Northwest, which includes the countries of Bolivia and Peru; the Pampas, which encompasses the central region of Argentina; and Patagonia, in the south. Each region has its own distinct folk music traditions.
One of the most popular forms of Argentine folk music is chamamé, which originated in the northeastern province of Misiones. Chamamé is a lively style of music that combines elements of Spanish and African rhythms. It is typically played on the accordion and guitar. Another popular folk style from Argentina is zamba, which originated in the northwestern province of Mendoza. Zamba is a slower, more melancholic form of music that often tells stories of love and loss.
Argentine folk music has been popularized by a number of well-known artists, including Los Tigres del Norte, Mercedes Sosa, Atahualpa Yupanqui, and Juan Falú.
Bolivian Folk Music
Bolivia is a landlocked country located in central South America. With a population of just over 10 million people, it is one of the least populous countries in the continent. ethnically, the Bolivian people are very diverse, with sizable populations of European, indigenous, and mestizo (mixed European and indigenous) descent. This diversity is reflected in Bolivia’s folk music, which is a mix of Spanish, indigenous, and African influences.
One of the most important aspects of Bolivian folk music is the use of traditional instruments. These include flutes, panpipes, drums, and guitars. The music often has a fast tempo and is very energetic. It is often played at festivals and other celebrations.
Some of the most famous Bolivian folk musicians include Juane de Toco yoco, Coty Olivo Zeballos, and Bonifacio Guzman.
Brazilian Folk Music
Brazilian folk music is a diverse and vibrant genre that has its roots in the country’s indigenous cultures. Brazilian folk music is often characterized by its use of percussion instruments and rhythmic patterns. Various types of Brazilian folk music include samba, choro, bossa nova, and frevo.
Samba is a type of Brazilian folk music that originated in the state of Bahia. Samba is characterized by its use of drums, clapping, and chanting. The rhythms of samba are often syncopated and can be quite complex. Samba is often danceable and is often associated with the Carnaval celebrations in Brazil.
Choro is another type of Brazilian folk music that originated in the early 19th century. Choro is characterized by its use of improvisation and melodic ornamentation. Choro ensembles typically consist of flute, guitar, and pandeiro (a type of handheld drum).
Bossa nova is a type of Brazilian folk music that developed in the late 1950s. Bossa nova is characterized by its smooth, relaxed rhythms. Bossa nova often makes use of syncopation and features guitar-based accompaniment.
Frevo is a type of Brazilian folk music that originated in the state of Pernambuco. Frevo is characterized by its fast tempo and use of brass instruments. Frevo ensembles typically consist of trumpets, trombones, clarinets, and saxophones.
Chilean Folk Music
Chile is a land of great musical diversity, with folk music traditions that reflect the country’s many different cultures and histories. Chilean folk music is often based on the national music of Spain and Mexico, but it also includes influences from South America, Africa, and even the Middle East. Chilean folk music often has a lively, festive feeling, and it is frequently heard at special occasions like parties, weddings, and religious ceremonies.
There are many different types of Chilean folk music, including cueca (a kind of courtship dance), tonada (a slow, sentimental ballad), and chacarera (a fast-paced dance). Chile’s folk music often features traditional instruments like the quena (a flute), the charango (a small guitar), and the bombo (a drum).
Colombian Folk Music
Colombia is a land of great diversity, and this is reflected in its music. The country has dozens of different traditional musical styles, and many of these have been influenced by the music of other cultures, including Europe, Africa, and even Native America.
Some of the most popular genres of Colombian folk music include cumbia, vallenato, and currulao. Cumbia is a style that originated in the Caribbean region of Colombia and is now one of the most popular genres in the country. Vallenato is a style of music that originated in the inland regions of Colombia and is characterized by its use of accordions and percussion instruments. Currulao is a type of music that originates from the Pacific coast region of Colombia and is characterized by its use of traditional African drums.
Ecuadorian Folk Music
Ecuadorian folk music is a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. The most common instruments are drums, flutes, and guitars. Traditional dances include bomba, plena, pasillo, pasacalle, and sanjuanito.
The bomba is a drum-based dance from the coast that features two drums, the bomba and the platillos. The bomba is played with sticks, while the platillos are played with the hands. The plena is a folkloric music and dance from Puerto Rico. It is similar to the bomba in that it has two drums, but it also includes claves (wooden sticks) and maracas (shaken percussion instruments).
Pasillo is a slow waltz-like dance from Ecuador that is often accompanied by guitar music. Pasacalle is another slow Ecuadorian dance, often performed at weddings or other special occasions. Sanjuanito is a fast-paced folk dance from Ecuador that originated in the province of Imbabura. It is typically danced at fiestas (festivals) and other celebrations.
Paraguayan Folk Music
Paraguayan folk music is known for its use of the harp, which is Paraguay’s national instrument. There are two main types of Paraguayan folk music: polkas and guaranias. Polkas originate from Europe, while guaranias are a mix of Spanish and African influences. The music is often upbeat and lively, making it perfect for dancing.
Paraguayan folk music has been influenced by a number of different cultures over the years, including the native Guaraní people, as well as Spanish and Portuguese settlers. This can be heard in the various musical styles that can be found throughout the country.
Peruvian Folk Music
Peruvian folk music is a mixture of indigenous and Spanish influences. Peruvian flute music, known as música criolla, is a style that blends African and Indigenous influences. The best-known Peruvian folk song is “El Cóndor Pasa,” which was popularized by Simon and Garfunkel in 1970. Other popular Peruvian folk songs include “La Bamba” and “La Bomba.”
Chilean folk music is also a blend of Indigenous and Spanish influences. The best-known Chilean folk song is “La Cueca Sola,” which is often played at Chilean weddings. Other popular Chilean folk songs include “El Canto del Gallo” and “La Danza de los Viejitos.”
Ecuadorian folk music has been influenced by a wide variety of cultures, including Indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian cultures. The best-known Ecuadorian folk song is “San Juan Bautista,” which is about the patron saint of Ecuador. Other popular Ecuadorian folk songs include “El Carnero” and “El Yambo.”
Colombian Folk music has also been influenced by many different cultures over the years. The most well-known Colombian Folk song is probably “La Pollera Colorá,” which is about a traditional Colombian dress. Other popular Colombian Folk songs include “Los Laureles” and ” Juanes Pa’ LA Alegria.”
Uruguayan Folk Music
Uruguay has a long tradition of folk music and dance, with roots in the European traditions brought over by immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries. The most well-known form of Uruguayan folk music is the candombe, which is a style of drumming that originated with African slaves in the colonial era.
Candombe is typically performed with three different types of drums: the chico, repique, and Tamboril. The music is upbeat and lively, often with a festive feeling. It’s commonly heard during carnival celebrations, as well as at other cultural events throughout the year.
another popular Uruguayan folk music genre is the milonga. Milonga is a slower, more melancholic style of music that often tells stories of love and loss. It’s closely related to the Argentine tango, and both styles are often danced together.
Uruguay also has a strong tradition of celtic music, brought over by immigrants from Ireland and Scotland in the 19th century. This influence can be heard in many forms of Uruguayan folk music, from traditional ballads to modern celtic-influenced rock bands.
Venezuelan Folk Music
Venezuelan folk music has been influenced by many cultures including the Spanish, African, and indigenous peoples of Venezuela. The music is often lively and includes a wide variety of instruments. Popular folk songs in Venezuela include “La Bamba” and “Cielito Lindo.”
Colombian Folk Music
Colombian folk music is characterized by its strong rhythm and groove. The music often includes elements of salsa, mambo, and merengue. Popular folk songs in Colombia include “La Cucaracha” and “El Cumbanchero.”
Ecuadorian Folk Music
Ecuadorian folk music is most commonly associated with the country’s indigenous population. The music is often very rhythmic and includes a wide variety of instruments. Popular Ecuadorian folk songs include “El Condor Pasa” and “Los Cuatro elementos del Mundo.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, South American folk music is a genre that is full of history and culture. It is a genre that has been influenced by many different cultures over the years, and it continues to evolve. If you are interested in learning more about South American folk music, there are many resources available online and in libraries.
