🪇World Music Unit 9 – Latin American Music: Son, Samba & Tango

Historical Context

• Latin American music has roots in indigenous, European, and African musical traditions reflecting the region's colonial history and cultural diversity
• The Atlantic slave trade brought millions of enslaved Africans to Latin America between the 16th and 19th centuries significantly influencing the development of musical genres like son and samba
• European colonization introduced instruments (guitar, piano) and musical forms (waltz, polka) that were adapted and incorporated into local musical traditions
• Indigenous musical traditions, such as the use of percussion instruments and pentatonic scales, also contributed to the unique sound of Latin American music
• The 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of nationalist movements in Latin America which led to a renewed interest in folk music and the creation of distinctly national musical styles
• Urbanization and industrialization in the early 20th century facilitated the spread of popular music genres like tango and samba through radio, recordings, and live performances
• Political and social upheavals, such as the Cuban Revolution and the military dictatorships in Brazil and Argentina, shaped the themes and messages of Latin American music during the 20th century

Key Genres: Son, Samba, and Tango

• Son originated in Cuba in the late 19th century and combines elements of Spanish canción and guitar with African rhythms and percussion
  • The basic son ensemble includes guitar, tres (a three-course guitar), bongos, maracas, and claves
  • Son later influenced the development of salsa music in the 1960s and 70s
• Samba emerged in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the early 20th century and is characterized by syncopated rhythms, call-and-response singing, and improvisation
  • Samba is often associated with Carnival celebrations and is performed by large ensembles called escolas de samba (samba schools)
  • Bossa nova, a fusion of samba and cool jazz, gained international popularity in the 1950s and 60s
• Tango developed in the late 19th century in the port cities of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo, Uruguay, and is known for its passionate and sensual dance steps
  • Tango music typically features the bandoneón (a type of concertina), violin, piano, and guitar
  • Tango lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, and nostalgia
• These genres have evolved over time, incorporating influences from other musical styles and adapting to changing social and cultural contexts

Musical Characteristics

• Latin American music is known for its complex rhythms, often featuring syncopation, polyrhythms, and cross-rhythms
  • Clave rhythms, which originated in African music, are a fundamental element of many Latin American genres, including son and samba
• Harmony in Latin American music often incorporates elements of European classical and popular music, such as the use of triads, seventh chords, and modulation
  • The use of parallel thirds and sixths in melody is a common feature, particularly in genres like son and tango
• Improvisation is an essential aspect of many Latin American musical genres, with musicians demonstrating their virtuosity through solos and variations on melodic themes
• Call-and-response singing, derived from African musical traditions, is prevalent in genres like samba and son
  • In call-and-response, a lead singer or instrumentalist performs a phrase, which is then answered by the ensemble or chorus
• Latin American music often features a wide range of dynamics, from soft and intimate to loud and exuberant, reflecting the emotional intensity of the music
• Lyrics in Latin American music frequently address themes of love, social and political issues, and cultural identity
  • The use of colloquial language, slang, and double entendres is common, particularly in genres like tango and samba

Cultural Significance

• Latin American music is deeply intertwined with the region's cultural identity, reflecting the diverse influences and experiences of its people
• Music plays a central role in social gatherings, festivals, and religious ceremonies, serving as a means of community bonding and cultural expression
  • Carnival celebrations in Brazil, for example, are intrinsically linked to samba music and dance
• Dance is an integral part of Latin American musical culture, with many genres having their own distinct dance styles (tango, samba, salsa)
  • These dances often have social and cultural meanings beyond mere entertainment, such as the intimate embrace of tango representing a challenge to traditional gender roles
• Latin American music has been a vehicle for political and social commentary, with artists using their music to address issues like poverty, inequality, and human rights
  • Nueva canción, a folk-inspired genre that emerged in the 1960s, was closely associated with left-wing political movements and social activism
• The global popularity of Latin American music has helped to promote cultural understanding and appreciation, fostering a sense of pride and unity among Latin American communities worldwide
• Music education and participation are highly valued in many Latin American societies, with children often learning traditional instruments and dances from a young age

Influential Artists and Composers

• Ernesto Lecuona (1895-1963): Cuban composer and pianist known for his compositions in various genres, including son, bolero, and Afro-Cuban jazz
  • His most famous work, "Malagueña," has been performed and recorded by numerous artists worldwide
• Pixinguinha (1897-1973): Brazilian composer, arranger, and instrumentalist considered one of the pioneers of choro and a key figure in the development of modern samba
  • He composed over 600 works and was known for his virtuosity on the flute and saxophone
• Carlos Gardel (1890-1935): Argentine singer, songwriter, and actor regarded as the most prominent figure in the history of tango
  • His recordings and performances helped to popularize tango internationally, and his tragic death in a plane crash cemented his status as a cultural icon
• Antônio Carlos Jobim (1927-1994): Brazilian composer, pianist, and singer, widely considered the father of bossa nova
  • His compositions, such as "The Girl from Ipanema" and "Desafinado," achieved global success and influenced generations of musicians
• Celia Cruz (1925-2003): Cuban-American singer known as the "Queen of Salsa"
  • Her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and extensive discography made her one of the most influential and beloved figures in Latin American music
• Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992): Argentine tango composer, bandoneon player, and arranger who revolutionized the traditional tango by incorporating elements of jazz and classical music
  • His "nuevo tango" style expanded the boundaries of the genre and elevated tango to a new level of artistic sophistication

Instruments and Performance Practices

• Latin American music features a diverse array of instruments, many of which have roots in indigenous, European, and African musical traditions
• Percussion instruments are essential to many Latin American genres, providing the complex rhythms and textures that define the music
  • Claves, a pair of short wooden sticks struck together, are used in son and salsa to maintain the underlying rhythmic structure
  • The pandeiro, a type of tambourine, is a key instrument in samba and choro
  • Congas, bongos, and timbales are common in Afro-Cuban and salsa music
• String instruments, such as the guitar, tres, and cavaquinho (a small four-string guitar), are used for both rhythmic and melodic purposes
  • The charango, a small Andean lute made from an armadillo shell, is featured in folk music from the Andes region
• Wind instruments, like the flute, saxophone, and trumpet, are prominent in genres such as choro, jazz, and salsa
  • The bandoneón, a type of concertina, is an essential instrument in tango music
• Piano and other keyboard instruments are used in various genres, often providing harmonic support and solo improvisations
• Vocal performance practices vary widely across Latin American musical genres
  • In son and salsa, singers often engage in call-and-response with the ensemble and improvise lyrics
  • Samba vocals are characterized by a relaxed, almost spoken delivery, while tango singers are known for their emotional intensity and dramatic phrasing
• Improvisation is a key aspect of many Latin American musical traditions, with instrumentalists and singers demonstrating their skill and creativity through solos and variations on melodic themes

Global Impact and Fusion

• Latin American music has had a profound impact on popular music worldwide, influencing genres such as jazz, rock, and hip-hop
  • The incorporation of Afro-Cuban rhythms and instruments into American jazz in the 1940s and 50s led to the development of Latin jazz and Cubop
  • The global success of bossa nova in the 1960s popularized Brazilian music and paved the way for the world music genre
• Latin American artists have collaborated with musicians from other cultures, creating unique fusion genres that blend traditional and contemporary styles
  • Shakira's incorporation of Middle Eastern and South Asian elements into her pop music reflects her Lebanese heritage and global outlook
  • Reggaeton, which originated in Puerto Rico, combines reggae, hip-hop, and Latin American rhythms, and has become a global phenomenon
• The popularity of Latin dance styles, such as salsa, samba, and tango, has led to the establishment of dance communities and festivals around the world
  • The World Latin Dance Cup, held annually in Miami, attracts thousands of dancers from over 40 countries
• Latin American music has been embraced by audiences worldwide, transcending language and cultural barriers
  • The success of crossover artists like Shakira, Ricky Martin, and Enrique Iglesias has helped to bring Latin American music to mainstream audiences
• The influence of Latin American music can be seen in the work of non-Latin artists who incorporate elements of Latin American styles into their music
  • American singer-songwriter Paul Simon's 1990 album "The Rhythm of the Saints" features extensive collaborations with Brazilian musicians and explores various Brazilian musical genres

Modern Interpretations and Legacy

• Contemporary Latin American artists continue to innovate and push the boundaries of traditional genres, incorporating elements of electronic, pop, and urban music
  • Colombian singer J Balvin has popularized a style called "reggaeton latino," which blends reggaeton with influences from hip-hop, R&B, and electronic dance music
  • Brazilian artist Anitta has achieved international success with her blend of funk carioca, pop, and electronic music
• The legacy of classic Latin American genres lives on through the work of modern artists who pay homage to traditional styles while adding their own creative vision
  • The Buena Vista Social Club project, which brought together veteran Cuban musicians in the late 1990s, sparked a renewed interest in traditional Cuban music and introduced it to a new generation of listeners
  • Argentine composer and pianist Fernando Otero has been credited with revitalizing the tango tradition through his innovative compositions that incorporate elements of classical, jazz, and world music
• Latin American music continues to evolve and adapt to changing social and cultural contexts, reflecting the diverse experiences and identities of Latin American people
  • The rise of digital platforms and social media has allowed independent artists to reach global audiences and showcase the richness and variety of contemporary Latin American music
• Music education programs and institutions in Latin America play a crucial role in preserving traditional genres and nurturing the next generation of musicians and composers
  • The Conservatorio Nacional de Música in Mexico City, founded in 1866, offers training in classical, jazz, and traditional Mexican music
  • The Escola de Música da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro in Brazil has produced many notable samba and bossa nova artists
• The enduring popularity and influence of Latin American music are a testament to its cultural significance and its ability to connect people across borders and generations
  • From the dance halls of Buenos Aires to the streets of New York City, Latin American music continues to inspire, entertain, and unite people around the world