History of Mexican music - Essay Example

History of Mexican Music It is relevant to admit that music performs a significantrole in the culture of every country. Mexico is not an exception. History of Mexican music represents a huge number of interesting facts and involves specific features that are peculiar for the Mexican culture and traditions. It is relevant to admit that Mexican music has its roots from the sound of the drums of a Mayan and Aztec ceremonies. Drum rhythm of these Indian tribes is considered to be one of the first examples of Mexican music (Ilich, n.p.).

With the development of Mexican culture the specific national variety of musical genres becomes wider. It is possible to name the most popular through all of them. They are: Son, Ranchera, Mariachi and Norteño (Grupero). Son “first appeared in the 17th century and is a fusion of indigenous, Spanish and African traditions, much like Cuban son” (Ilich, n.p.). Still, Mexican variant of son is experienced a large number of variations through all the country. Ranchera is considered to be an outgrowth of son.

That has been “A type of song that was literally sung on a Mexican ranch, ranchera originated in the mid-19th century, just before the Mexican revolution” (Ilich, n.p.). Love, patriotism and nature are remained to be the most popular themes for this type of songs. Mariachi is considered to be highly popular style of music in Mexico. For the performing of this music people form a special orchestra. It consists of “at least two violins, two trumpets, a Spanish guitar, and two other types of guitars - the vilhuela and guitarron” (Ilich, n.p.).

Norteño is considered to be more modern variant of folk music in Mexico. The matter is that “in the late 19th century European migrants brought the accordion, waltz and polka, from their homeland to Northern Mexico and the U.S. Southwest” ( Hacienda Tres Rios, n.p.). Local bands have adopted these instruments and establish a new genre of music. As for the popular Mexican music there are also a huge number of variations with an interesting implications and influence of modern global culture.

It is possible to distinguish Latin alternative, Mexican Ska, Rock and Pop music as the basic directions of modern music. Latin alternative is considered to be a “music created by young players who have been raised not only on their parents music but also on rock, hip-hop and electronica” (Heritage of America, n.p.). The wave of Mexican Ska has started in 1960s when young bands and big orchestras intend to recorded ska tunes and covers of Jaimacan hits (Heritage of America, n.p.). The “Mexican rock movement began in the late 1950s and early 1960s, rapidly becoming popular, and peaking in the 80s and 90s with real authentic sounds and styles” (Heritage of America, n.p.).

The most popular groups are Dilemma, The Chasm, Xiuhtecuhtli, Disgorge, Brujeria, Transmetal, Hacavitz, Sargatanas, Mictlayotl and others. Mexican pop singers are highly popular around the world as everyone knows such names as Julio Iglesias, Enrique Iglesias, Shakira and Ricky Martin. These are considered to be the brightest representatives of Mexican pop music. All in all, it can be concluded that Mexican music represents its unique and interesting section in the world music culture. The historical evidences that are related to the Mexican music represent individual features of Mexican culture and traditions.

Reference List: Ilich, Tijana. “Music of Mexico - Son, Ranchera, Mariachi.” About.com. Web. 17 Feb, 2015. http://latinmusic.about.com/od/countrie1/p/PROBASICS17.htm “Music of Mexico”. Heritage of America, Educational and Cultural Foundation. Web. 17 Feb, 2015. http://heritageofamerica76.com/music_of_mexico.htm#modern “Traditional Mexican Music”. Hacienda Tres Rios, Blog. Web. 17 Feb, 2015. http://www.haciendatresrios.com/culture-and-tradition/traditional-mexican-music/