The music of Mexico has many influences and is very diverse. Colonization by the Europeans, over the centuries, has had a large effect on the music of Mexico, as did the indigenous peoples. The classical style of music popular throughout history in Europe made its way to New Spain, inspiring talented Mexican composers. Alongside the rock, punk and classical artists are those from folk roots, mostly found in the mariachi bands and Banda music. Here we will take a brief look at some of the history of music in Mexico.
Banda music was created as an imitation of the military bands imported from Europe during the 19th century. Polish immigrants made their way to Mexico during that time and settled in the Sinaloa state. While there, the polka made its influence on the people, thus the mix of Mexican folk music and the polka produced Banda.
In Southern Texas, around the region of the Rio Grande, an important music style was born: musica Nortena. The rhythm was taken from polka, its melodies from Bohemian music and its lyrics from immigrant miners. Norteno has been the starting point for many popular sub-genres such as musica Tejana and musica Nortena.
From the beginning of the 20th century, the rumba began to spread in Mexico. Its origins are with the black Mexican slaves working in Cuba and Mexico. The bolero and mambo followed closely behind the rumba, and later the Cha cha cha. The Mexican Cumbia is derived from the Colombia Cumbia and is much like the merengue, but with the use of an accordion.
Rock music has not always been welcome in Mexican society, especially during the 1960′s and 1970′s. Most bands had to resort to underground gatherings to play their music. However, Carlos Santana broke the trend by performing at Woodstock. Other bands followed suit and soon the Mexican music market became a very successful place for non-Mexican artists to test their music and ultimately launch a career. Many famous musicians have found success through Mexican charts, such as Julio and Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, Chayanne and Ricky Martin.
Classical music has a long history in Mexico, largely due to the influence of the Spanish. Hernando Franco and Juan Gutierrez de Padilla are Mexican composers who are considered to have made significant contributions to New World culture were heavily influenced by the music of New Spain. Combined with the Catholic missions in Mexico, classical music became a voice for the worship of the Virgin Mary and the saints of the Christianity. The construction of the the first Cathedrals in Mexico made it possible for these composers to have their music heard, especially those incorporating a chorus. The 19th century Mexican composers created some of the most popular waltzes of the era and began the worldwide recognition of Spanish classical guitar.
In 1922, Julian Carrillo created the first microtonal system of music in the history of the classical genre. As an accomplished violinist, conductor and inventor, he was able to create revolutionary forms of instrumentation. For example, the harps and pianos he built were capable of playing notes in previously unheard of increments, such as sixths, eighths and sixteenths. Carrillo’s pianos are still manufactured in Germany.
There is a misconception that the music of Latin America all sounds the same; all with rapid beats of a drum and seductive guitar melodies. In fact, the music of the region is as diverse as its history and people. Mexican music can be upbeat and infectious like that of the mariachi bands but it can be decidedly slow and mystical as well. When visiting Mexico, make an effort to seek out some of the more subtle nuances of its musical history. Surely your experience will be something to remember for the rest of your days.
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