History Of The Mariachi

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History of the Mariachi The best scholarly opinion is that the word mariachi has native roots. One theory is that it comes from the name of the wood used to make the platform on which the performers danced to the music of the village musicians. But whatever the true source, the word today has one meaning that is crystal clear: Mariachi means on of the most exciting and enchanting musical ensembles found anywhere in the world. In the complete Mariachi group today there are as many as six to eight violins, two trumpets and a guitar- are all standard European instruments. Natives, who had their own highly developed musical traditions, quickly mastered European musical practices. African music was also brought to Mexico during the early colonial period. With all the sweet sounds of the violins against the brilliance of the trumpets, and the deep sound of the guitarro, the resulting sound is the heart and soul of Mexico. It is important to remember Mariachi music- is not just music to be played and sung. From the very start it was music to be danced. Many of the dance steps came from Spain. The performers skillfully drive the heels of their boots or shoes into the dance floor, pounding out swift, often syncopated rhythms which complement the different rhythm of the musical instruments. Each of the region variations has its traditional style of dance. Today in some dances it is sometimes performed with a glass of water on the head to show off the dancer’s incredible muscular control. Folklorico dances tell tales of Mexico’s past. The dances tell of the hard ship, the government and the love between two people. Although the roots of the Mariachi go back hundreds of years, there are no Bach’s or Beethoven’s in its early history because

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