How did latin american music start?

Latin American music is as diverse as the people of the regions whose culture it represents. Latin American music and culture is a mural or colorful sounds originating from Native American, Spanish, Portuguese, African, Asian and other cultures. Any discussion of the origin of Latin American culture must choose a starting point. The arrival of the Spanish explorers to the Americas provides an adequate place to begin.

History

Spanish explorers who arrived in the Americas brought with them musical instruments, such as the guitar and violin. As the slave trade penetrated the Caribbean region, the African slaves added percussion instruments and drums to the musical mosaic.

Geography

There is an observable distinction in the rhythms of music and the climate of the region. Warmer climates around the Caribbean and the equator have produced more danceable, rhythmic and lively beats. Colder climates of South American Andes region have generated harsher and more melancholic lyrics of Spanish rock and pop.

Types

Common types of Latin American music include mariachi, tango, samba, merengue, salsa, cumbia, bolero and bossa nova. Most of these styles are very danceable.

Features

The rhythmic pattern called the clave provides the base for most Latin music. The clave is consists of a 3-2 or sometimes a 2-3 rhythm pattern. Two wooden sticks that are used to create the beat are referred to as claves.

The form of the music takes on three parts. A long verse introduces the song. The second section builds in rhythm and intensity, with percussion instruments like the mambo playing a 2-3 beat. The verse returns to conclude the song.

Function

Latin American music has been a vital component of celebrations in the community. The calendar is filled with both religious and politically significant festivals in which the people remember their history and celebrate their collective experience as a culture.

Misconceptions

Although Spanish is the dominant language of Latin America, not all the music of Latin America is in Spanish. Brazil has a rich musical tradition in Portuguese.

Source:

A Brief Summary of Latin-American Popular Music

History of Latin Music

Salsa