Questions:

Why does Dr. Munarriz consider the label “Latin American Music” problematic? Do you agree or disagree with his position? Why?

What is the difference between Latin American Music and Latin Music?

What are ostinatos and how are they used in many Caribbean and Latin American musical expressions?

What are some of the Latin American expressions in which the so called “Habanera Pattern” can be easily identified?

 

Answers:

1) Dr. Munarriz considers the label of “Latin American Music” problematic since it implies that there is only one type of music that originates from the entire massive region. I tend to agree with Dr. Munarriz since Latin American Music sounds like the name of a singular genre to me when in reality the term is used to refer to a vast variety of different genres and techniques. I disagree with Dr. Munarriz that the term “Latin American Music” shouldn’t be phased out entirely, I cannot think of any situation where saying ”Latin American Music” is superior to “Music from Latin America” or simply “Latin American Musics”.

 

2)One can differentiate Latin American Music from Latin music based off of its point of origin. Latin music originates from the United States and was primarily created by the Latino populations there while Latin America comes from a multitude of different countries from Central and South America

 

3)Ostinatos are a repetitious pattern generally played by rhythm section instruments, although they sometimes appear on the melody. They are often used in the musics of Latin America to form a driving beat or pulse over which the remainder of the piece can be performed. Sometimes these patterns are played by a single instrument, such as the Clavé, and other times they are spread throughout the entire ensemble with the efforts of each individual player combining to form one rhythm, this creates a more complex sound that some genres prefer. 

 

4)The “Habanera Pattern” can be identified in a plethora of musics from Latin America such as, the Tango from Brazil, the Cuban Contradanza and Tumba Francesca as well as the Payada from northern Argentina.