PROMPT 8

Dr. Munarriz considers the term “Latin American Music” problematic, as it dramatically undersells the musical diversity present in Latin America.  Following his explanation in the recorded lecture, I agree.  Dr. Munarriz’s lecture covered the immense diversity of cultures, musics and backgrounds present in Latin America.  As part of his investigation of Latin American musics, Munarriz goes in depth on the origin, uses and variations on the habanera pattern as well as other Latin American rhythmic patterns.  I was completely in the dark regarding the scale of cultural diversity, and after investigating some of the diversity and roots of the many musics of Latin America, it became clear how applying a blanket term such as “Latin American music” is problematic.  

Latin American Music is music from Mexico, South America and the adjacent islands, and Latin Music is music from the Romantic language speaking countries like Spain.  Ostinatos are rhythmic repeated patterns. Ostinatos are featured heavily in Latin American Music, and often form the rhythmic texture. Different ostinatos are often layered to create a polymeric polyrhythm that is the basis of Latin American groove.

The Habanera pattern is central to many Latin American rhythms, however of those covered in Munarriz’s lecture, the Habanera pattern can be seen hidden in the amphibrach pattern, offset by a sixteenth note.  There are plenty of other patterns that function in a similar fashion to the habanera and amphibrach patterns, placing emphasis in similar places in the bar.  The cinquillo, tresillo and clave pattern all function in a similar way, and often work in combination to form the complex, multi-layered ostinato that characterizes many Latin American musics.