T RADITIONAL S OUTH A MERICAN M USIC Some traditional South American instruments are: Conga Bandoneon Ocarina Pan Flute Claves Guiro Maracas

C ONGA

B ANDONEON

O CARINA

P AN F LUTE

C LAVES

G UIRO

M ARACAS

P ANDEIROS

B ERIMBAU

F ORM AND U TILIZATION OF T RADITIONAL S OUTH A MERICAN M USIC Traditional South American music was, and still is, used as a backdrop for dances and theatrical performances. Performances such as Carnavalito, Tinku, and Diablada all focus on festivities and dances. Because of the dance-focused purpose of traditional South American music, much of the music is very rhythmic. Some places, such as Puerto Rico, utilize strict forms such as the danzas. These open up with an eight measure paseo, followed by three themes, each with sixteen measures.

M ELODY IN T RADITIONAL S OUTH A MERICAN M USIC Melody is generally played by one instrument, while the others provide a rhythmic feeling and energy for the audience. Melody is usually played on something such as the pan flute, which is one of the most common instruments in traditional South American music.

M ETER AND S OCIAL C ONTEXT OF T RADITIONAL S OUTH A MERICAN M USIC Music originating from South America is divided into three vastly different categories: Indigenous traditional European-Derived African-Inspired

E XAMPLES OF D ANCES O RIGINATING FROM S OUTH A MERICA Argentine Tango. This style of both dance and music is passionate, and often represents a romantic feud. Brazilian Samba. This type of music incites festive dances. While no fixed dance is associated with it, the music embodies the spirit of dance in general. Brazilian Capoeira. A fluid style of music which is typically more laid back, and not for the same sort of dancing as the other two examples.

L INKS FOR L ISTENING Tango Music Samba Music Capoeira