Mariachi Research Paper

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Mariachi is a type of folk music in Mexico. It is usually performed in an ensemble at weddings and other celebrations. Mariachi is generally composed of string instruments along with a few woodwinds. Mariachi originally was thought to come from the French word for marriage, but now linguists believe that it came from Spanish for a certain wood tree used as a dancing platform.
Mariachi was formed during the late 1700s and was used as a way of communication and expression of Christian faith. It is believed to have begun in Jalisco, Mexico. Like other Latin American music, mariachi is a blend of music from different cultures. The native people of Mexico consists of drums, flutes, and rattles. The Spanish explorers brought in violins, guitars, …show more content…

Jarabe is the most traditional form of mariachi. It has a 6/8 meter and the first note has an accent followed by five softer notes. One of the most famous songs that represents Mexico music is the “Jarabe Tapatío”. The meter can change to different types of meters in a single song. It is usually has dancers performing. Bolero is geared towards love. It is harmonic and complicated. It is in 4/4 time and usually have major or minor tag endings. A chotis originated from Mexico and is similar to a German country dance move. The rhythm is alternating from eighth rest to eighth note and adds an quarter note instead of an eight note at the end. The cumbia is on a 2/4 beat and originated in …show more content…

It is one of the most oldest mariachi band that was formed in the 1897 by Gaspar Vargas. It was formed in Tecalitlán which is south of Jalisco; it was originally had four musicians, one Mexican guitar, a wooden harp and two violins. They won a mariachi contest twice and caught the attention of Mexican president Lázaro Cárdenas. President Cárdenas made them the official mariachi band of the Mexican Police Department. Their first recording was released in 1937 and appeared in the Mexican film, Asi es mi Tierra. They eventually appeared in more than 200 film by the end of the century. In 1941, they added trumpets to their group of 8 musicians. Mariachi Vargas was often chosen as a top group for mariachi conference. Today, Mariachi Vargas still maintains some of its traditional Mexican

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