Where Did Mexican Music Originate From?
Mexico is a nation rich in musical tradition. Famous for its mariachi bands and ranchera music, Mexico has developed a variety of musical genres stemming from broad origins. Indigenous roots have combined with European and African influences over the centuries, and the traces can still be heard in much of the Mexican music that exists today.
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Aztec Origins
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The ancient Aztec civilization in what is now Mexico established a rich musical legacy. Formal Aztec music academies were called "cuicalli." It was here that the original inhabitants of the region learned how to play sacred songs dedicated to the gods of their culture. Drums were the foundation of Aztec music, with the teponaztli and huehuetl as the primary percussion instruments. The teponaztli was a horizontal drum played with mallets, and the huehuetl was an upright drum played with the hands. Primitive flutes were used to create melodies, and choral hymns were popular. The poetic lyrics were sung in the Náhuatl language, still widely spoken in Mexico today.
Spanish Origins
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The Spanish conquistadors imposed Iberian culture on the indigenous inhabitants of Mexico starting in the 15 century. Three centuries of colonial rule led to Mexico adopting many of the stylistic elements of Spanish music, creating a new mestizo genre. Spain was known for its rhythmic flamenco music, and the rapid percussion elements of flamenco can be heard in many of the Latin rhythms now produced in Mexico. The Spaniards also introduced the concept of the large brass band to Mexico, drawing on influence from the municipal bands of Spain that traditionally played on holidays.
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Other European Origins
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Other European influences also made an impact on Mexican music. The people of Mexico began to distance themselves from Spanish culture in an effort at independence in the early 19th century, embracing other European styles of music. German roots are particularly notable in Mexican music due to the large numbers of German immigrants in Texas and northern Mexico around the 1830s. The genres of tejano, banda, conjunto, ranchera and norteño music in Mexico all developed in part from European polkas and the waltz. The use of the accordion and horns in mariachi music is another stylistic element that has evolved from European roots.
African Origins
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The slave trade in the new world brought African music to the Americas. African rhythms permeated many of the indigenous musical genres. This is especially true for Mexico in the Southern state of Oaxaca. The marimba is an African instrument that was embraced by Mexicans to create a form of music called "son istmeño."
Revolutionary Music
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The Mexican Revolution brought about a change in the musical landscape. The early 20th century was a pivotal time as Mexicans achieved independence and sought to establish social order. Out of these turbulent times came the "corrido," an epic Mexican style of balladry. Solo guitarists and smaller ensembles played somber music as a backdrop for poetic lyrics describing battles, heroics, injustice and the struggle of the people. The corrido is still a popular genre throughout Mexico, though the lyrics now focus on modern issues such as drug trafficking, poverty and immigration struggles.
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References
- Photo Credit Silvia Pérez Santiago/sxc.hu
