8.5 La Música Latina
Completion requirements
Spanish Language and Culture 10-3Y
8.5 La Música Latina
La música latina is a very general term for music from Spanish-speaking countries. In fact, there are many different types of Latin music ranging from more modern rock/pop music to more traditional types such as salsa and tango. Here are some types of music that you are likely to find in Spanish—speaking countries.
Hola - ¡Estoy muy feliz estar aquí en Argentina!
I added some items to my wiki covering types of music in Spanish-speaking countries.
¡Chequealo bien!
Salsa is a fast paced music that incorporates many instruments, sounds, and rhythms typical in the Caribbean. There is a specific way to dance to it and watching experienced salsa dancers is quite impressive. A very famous salsa artist/singer
was Celia Cruz from Cuba who was known as the “Queen of Salsa.” Salsa music groups use a lot of different instruments like los bongós, las trompetas, and las maracas."
Merengue is a type of music and dance from the Dominican Republic. The untrained ear might quickly think this music sounds the same as salsa, but the rhythm is distinct and the dance movements are also different. Merengue is heard a lot
in the Caribbean and in many parts of Latin America. It is a very festive and energizing type of music. Merengue music uses instruments such as los bongós, las trompetas, el acordeón, and another instrument called a güiro, which creates
a raspy sound.
Cumbia is originally from the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It has simple sounds and lyrics and is also a dance. More modern forms of cumbia have been combined with other genres of music and regional musical styles throughout Latin America.
However, traditional cumbia music is considered representative of Colombian identity, particularly in the northern Caribbean coast near the city of Barranquilla. Cumbia music uses a variety of instruments but most distinctly uses los tambores
and las trompetas.
Vallenato is a popular folk music of Colombia from the coastal region. A distinct sound in vallenato music is el acordeón. A very famous artist/singer of vallenato music is Carlos Vives. He has put a modern twist on the music and has made
it very popular by combining modern rock/pop sounds with the more traditional vallenato music.
Tango is a style of music and dance that originated from European immigrant populations in Argentina and Uruguay. Tango is often instrumental and accompanied by romantic and dramatic dance. There are many different tango dance styles today,
but many consider the authentic tango to be what originated in Argentina and Uruguay. The most prominent instruments you will hear in tango music are el piano and el violín. Take a look at these tango dancers.
Like tango, flamenco is both a type of music and dance. It is considered part of the culture of Spain; it originates from the southern region of Spain called Andalucía. The music is characterized by its distinct, rapid guitar sounds. The
dance is known for loud rapid foot movements sometimes accompanied by use of las castañuelas.
You are encouraged to explore these music types on your own to hear the different sounds and rhythms of the music.
Select the following links to listen to different samples.
- SchoolTube: Tango Argentina
- AmericanHistory.si.edu: La Vida y Música de Celia Cruz
- HowlingEarth.com: Colombian Vallenato and Cumbia music from Boca Grande
(You will find much better quality if you explore with a quick video search of the 6 types of music on your own.)
¿Qué tipo de música latina prefieres?