Music From Argentina: Tangos & Folk Music

Instituto El Cimarrón

EUCD2917

A folk interpretation of traditional music straight from the Argentine songbook. Interweaving village roots, lively urban rhythms, traditional acoustic guitar, melodies from the Pampas, and tangos from Buenos Aires, presented by the Instituto El Cimarrón.

Argentine folk music has a rich and diverse tradition. In addition to the indigenous music of the Fuegian and Patagonian peoples, the Mapuche and Chaco Indians, the descendants of the Quechua and Aymara, and the Calchaqui Valley Indians, there is a large mestizo and Creole repertoire. The Creole repertoire is predominantly of European origin. There are three basic types, differentiated by function: carnival songs (sung collectively), popular songs (sung in front of an audience), and religious songs (sung solo or in choir). Carnival songs, whose lyrics are presented in short verses, are accompanied by drums and guitars.

Related dances include the chacarera, zamba, and gato, the latter being one of the most important rural Argentine dances. The cueca, a dance similar to the zamba, is found in western Argentina. The malambo is a dance in which solo dancers take turns competing. It is popular among gauchos. The sung milonga can be a romance (traditional ballad) or a corrido (ballad based on contemporary events).

The milonga (dance) is an urban style developed primarily in Buenos Aires by well-known composers. It is usually accompanied by the accordion. Polkas are sung with guitar accompaniment in triple time or in duples over a 6/8 accompaniment with much syncopation. The polquita (little polka) is sometimes played in processions for saints.

CD x 1

ARC Music

7/24/20

5019396291720