Our Musical Heritage

Cultural Influences of Mexican/Mexican American Music

Pre-ColombianThe Maya and Aztec peoples played

instruments • tlapitzalli (a flute) • teponatzli, a log drum • the conch-shell trumpet • various rattles/ rasps • huehuetl, a kettle drum• Aztec music was entirely religious in

nature, and was performed by professional musicians

• Instruments were considered

Aztec Instruments

Spanish • The arrival of the Spanish introduced new music and

instruments• At the time, parts of Spain and Portugal were controlled by

the Moors of North Africa who in turn influenced Spanish music

• Moorish instruments were adopted in Spain, • North African nasal, high-pitched singing style and

improvisation spread to the all the peoples of Iberia, • From continental Europe, Spain adopted the French

troubadour tradition, which by the 16th century was a major part of Spanish culture.

• Both ethnic Spaniards and Moors contributed to the troubadour tradition, which spawned the décima song form, which features ten lines of eight syllables each.

• The décima format remains an important part of Latin music, include in corridos, bolero, and vallenato

African Influences

• In Mexico  “tropical music”, dancing music has a strong African influence

• danzones, • mambo, • cha cha cha, • salsa, • Sones• Instruments; drums and others

Mexican Music• Mexican musicians incorporate their Pre-

Columbian roots together with the lasting influence of the Spanish.

• Both folk and classical Mexican music have drawn from these influences, and regional styles reflect these traditions.

• The Spanish regime also imported African slaves, adding a third dimension to the areas music.

• Mexican Son: Mexican son first appeared in the 17th century and is a fusion of indigenous, Spanish and African traditions

Mexican American Music

• Carlos Santana• African,Spanish and Native Influences