Mariachi music: an ethnomusicology
Linda Fregoso speaks with several ethnomusicologists as she traces the origins of Mariachi music and how it has changed over time. Fregoso explains that mariachi music mixes elements of African, Indigenous and European music and that it was originally the music of Mexico’s rural poor. Mariachi, however, has now become synonymous with Mexican music and nationalism. The genre originated in Jalisco, Mexico, and as Mark Fogelquist, an ethnomusicologist explains, it incorporated Spanish popular verses from the 18th century and earlier. Fregoso then discusses the possible origins of the word mariachi. Fogelquist also explains the evolution of Mariachi instrumentation.
Fogelquist next speaks about the various musical influences mariachi music has incorporated, including aspects of the polka and cumbia. He explains that mariachi is most related to the son style of music, which was heavily influenced by African rhythms. Dan Sheehy of the National Endowment for the Arts then discusses the complexity of sones, and he explores the effects of commercialization on the mariachi repertoire.
Fregoso then discusses the history of the most famous mariachi group, the Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan and their innovative style and dedicated musicianship. Fregoso explains that as mariachi music has become increasingly commercialized, its quality has declined, and Heriberto Molina, the spokesman for Mariachi Vargas, says that he would like to see Mexican musicians strive for excellence and not just commercial success.
KEYWORDS
African Presence in MexicoBill Faulkner
Cielito Lindo
Commercialism
Consumer Culture
Copla Popular
Cornetine
Cumbia
Dan Dickey
Daniel Sheehy
El Pasajero
Escapularios
Gaspar Vargas
Guadalajara
Guitarron
Harp
Heriberto Molina
J. H. Kwabena Nketia
Jalisco
Jonathan Clark
Juan Gonzalez
Lazaro Cárdenas
Mariachi
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan
Mark Fogelquist
Marketplace
Mexican Immigration
Mexico
Mexico Lindo
Music
Nahuatl
National Endowment for the Arts
Nationalism
Nostalgia
Nueva Galicia
Oratorios
Pasodoble
Polka
Popular Culture
Popular Verse
Rodriguez Marin
Ruben Fuentes
Serenata
Silvestre Vargas
Son
Son Huasteco
Son Jalisciense
Son Jarocho
Sones
Spain
The Music of Africa
Traditional Mexican Music
Transnationalism
Vicente Mendoza
Vihuela
Waltz
Weddings