🪇Intro to Musics of the World Unit 8 – Latin American Music: Samba to Andean Folk

Origins and Cultural Context

• Samba originated in Brazil during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in the state of Bahia
• Evolved from a combination of African rhythms, European harmonies, and indigenous influences
• Deeply rooted in the Afro-Brazilian community, particularly among former slaves and their descendants
• Served as a means of cultural expression and social commentary for marginalized communities
• Andean folk music developed in the Andean regions of South America (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina)
  • Reflects the cultural heritage of indigenous Andean civilizations, such as the Inca Empire
  • Incorporates elements of Spanish colonial influence, resulting in a unique blend of indigenous and European musical traditions

Key Instruments and Sounds

• Samba incorporates a wide range of percussion instruments, creating a vibrant and energetic sound
  • Cavaquinho: small four-stringed guitar that provides the harmonic foundation
  • Pandeiro: hand-held tambourine-like instrument that maintains the rhythmic pulse
  • Surdo: large drum that plays the distinctive "boom-boom-chick" pattern, anchoring the rhythm
  • Chocalho: shaker instrument that adds a constant layer of syncopated rhythms
• Andean folk music features a variety of wind and string instruments, often crafted from natural materials
  • Quena: traditional Andean flute made from bamboo or wood, known for its haunting and expressive sound
  • Zampoña: panpipes consisting of multiple reed tubes of varying lengths, played by blowing across the top
  • Charango: small ten-stringed instrument similar to a lute, traditionally made from an armadillo shell
  • Bombo: large drum played with a mallet, providing a deep and resonant bass sound

Rhythms and Musical Structures

• Samba is characterized by its syncopated rhythms and polyrhythmic patterns
  • Follows a 2/4 time signature, with emphasis on the second beat
  • Utilizes a call-and-response structure between the lead singer and the chorus
  • Incorporates improvisation and spontaneous interactions among musicians and dancers
• Andean folk music often features pentatonic scales and a strong connection to the natural world
  • Employs a variety of rhythmic patterns, including 6/8 and 2/4 time signatures
  • Utilizes parallel thirds and fifths in vocal harmonies, creating a distinctive sound
  • Incorporates repetitive melodic phrases and ostinato patterns, reflecting the cyclical nature of Andean cosmology

Notable Artists and Compositions

• Samba:
  • Cartola: Renowned samba composer and singer, known for his poetic lyrics and emotive performances
  • Noel Rosa: Influential samba composer of the 1930s, credited with modernizing the genre
  • "Aquarela do Brasil" by Ary Barroso: Iconic samba composition that gained international recognition
• Andean Folk:
  • Los Kjarkas: Bolivian group that popularized Andean folk music worldwide in the 1970s and 1980s
  • Inti-Illimani: Chilean ensemble known for their socially conscious lyrics and virtuosic performances
  • "El Cóndor Pasa" by Daniel Alomía Robles: Peruvian song that became a global hit, adapted by various artists

Regional Variations

• Samba has evolved into various sub-genres and regional styles across Brazil
  • Samba-enredo: Samba compositions specifically created for Carnival parades, telling a story or theme
  • Pagode: More intimate and stripped-down style of samba, often performed in small gatherings
  • Samba de roda: Traditional Afro-Brazilian style that involves singing, dancing, and percussion in a circle
• Andean folk music encompasses a wide range of regional variations and local traditions
  • Huayno: Popular style in Peru and Bolivia, characterized by its lively and bouncy rhythm
  • Cueca: National dance of Chile, featuring a couple dancing with handkerchiefs
  • Saya: Afro-Bolivian music and dance style that combines Andean and African elements

Social and Political Influences

• Samba has often been used as a vehicle for social and political commentary in Brazil
  • Lyrics address themes of racial inequality, poverty, and marginalization
  • Served as a form of resistance and cultural affirmation for Afro-Brazilian communities
  • Played a significant role in shaping Brazilian national identity and promoting racial pride
• Andean folk music has been closely tied to social and political movements in the region
  • Nueva Canción: Musical movement of the 1960s and 1970s that combined Andean folk with socially conscious lyrics
  • Used as a tool for cultural preservation and resistance against political oppression
  • Played a role in the indigenous rights movement and the struggle for social justice

Modern Adaptations and Fusion

• Samba has been incorporated into various contemporary musical genres and fusion styles
  • Bossa Nova: Fusion of samba and cool jazz that emerged in the late 1950s, popularized by artists like João Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim
  • Samba-rock: Combination of samba rhythms with rock and roll elements, developed in the 1960s
  • Samba-reggae: Fusion of samba with reggae and Caribbean influences, popularized by groups like Olodum
• Andean folk music has been adapted and fused with other genres, both within and outside the region
  • Andean New Age: Incorporation of Andean instruments and melodies into ambient and meditative music
  • Andean electronica: Fusion of traditional Andean sounds with electronic beats and production techniques
  • Collaborations with international artists, exposing Andean folk to new audiences and musical contexts

Global Impact and Legacy

• Samba has become an international symbol of Brazilian culture and identity
  • Carnival celebrations in Rio de Janeiro attract millions of visitors from around the world
  • Samba music and dance have been embraced and adapted in various countries, from Japan to the United States
  • Continues to evolve and inspire new generations of musicians and dancers
• Andean folk music has gained global recognition and appreciation
  • Popularized by artists like Simon & Garfunkel, who adapted "El Cóndor Pasa" in the 1970s
  • Andean instruments and melodies have been incorporated into film soundtracks and world music compilations
  • Serves as a testament to the resilience and cultural richness of Andean indigenous communities