Música criolla

Música criolla is a category of Peruvian music that combines mainly African, Spanish and Andean influences. Afro-Peruvian music was first created by African slaves in Peru during the Colonial Period and beyond. The rhythms include Festejo, Landó, Socabon, Pregon, Zamacueca, and Alcatraz. Many of those were played with a mixture of Spanish and Indian instruments and used the Spanish coplas as lyrics. They were practiced only in private black gatherings until the 1950s, when efforts of some scholars studying the Peruvian community, such as Nicomedes Santa Cruz, Victoria Santa Cruz and Jose Durand, compiled songs and dances after struggling with racism and poor recognition. Interpreters such as Lucila Campos, Caitro Soto, Susana Baca, Eva Ayllon, and the Peru Negro dance company, among others, have brought these genres to the world's attention.

The most popular genre of música criolla in Perú is the marinera, often called the national dance of Perú. Other main genres are Peruvian vals and tondero, festejo, polka, zamacueca, coplas de amor fino, and landó. Peru's national "Day of the Creole Song" (Día de la Canción Criolla) takes place on October 31.

Landó

Main article: Landó (music)

Landó is a form of blues music popular in Perú. Musically the Landó is slower than the Festejo. Victoria Santa Cruz (who directed the National School of Folklore in Peru), worked to develop this genre around 40 or 50 years ago. It is related to South American dances of courtship because of its sensual movements and the soft tempo. Composed in 3/4 time, it has become a popular choice for new Peruvian songwriters. It has its origins in the Angolan londu, and is also related to the Brazilian lundu.

Festejo

Main article: Festejo

Festejo (from Spanish 'fiesta') is a festive form of music. It can be seen as a celebration of Perú's independence and the emancipation of slaves, or as an attempt to reinvent diaspora African music without reference to slavery. Composers of all races have contributed to the development of festejo repertoire. Its origins are in a competitive circle dance performed by men playing cajónes. Nowadays, people of all ages and races participate in a witty dance accompanying the festejo.

Vals

The vals criollo is a unique musical form characterized by 3/4 time, originating in the coast of Peru. The vals criollo is a variation of the European Waltz brought by Spaniards to Peru, played with Spanish instruments by criollos or mestizos of all races since the Peruvian Colonial Period. It was around the 30's when city neighborhoods or barrios started developing their own styles. It was not heavily promoted by the media until the 50's when Chabuca Granda, one of the most important composers of the genre, started touring heavily. Other singers, songwriters and ethnomusicologists were compiling old interpretations and began recording songs that were never recorded before. This type of music includes elaborate Spanish guitar work accompanied in recent years by cajón and castanets with lyrics that talk about love, social dilemmas and nostalgia. This form is known outside of Peru as vals peruano (Peruvian waltz). Popular vals artists include singers like Arturo "Zambo" Cavero, Jesús Vásquez, groups like Los Morochucos, Fiesta Criolla, Los Troveros Criollos, Los Embajadores Criollos and composers like Felipe Pinglo Alva, Chabuca Granda and Augusto Polo Campos.

Polca Criolla

The Polca Criolla is similar to the vals in some respects, but is composed in 4/4 time and has a much faster rhythm. The style and lyrics are an expression of mischivious and joyous celebration of life. It is also called "polquita", a term of endearment. Like the vals, it is typical of the coast, using the same basic repertoire of instruments, interpreters, and songwriters. Some common examples are "La Pitita", "Callao", and "Tacna".

External links

• Música Criolla Peruana
• Romantic Peruvian Music
• Los Troveros Criollos, LIVE
• El Rosario de mi Madre Peruvian Waltz
• Ingrata Palomita Peruvian Polka
• El Veneno Peruvian Marinera
• Afropop.org article on Afro-Peruvian music
• Música Criolla del Perú - Canciones y videos
• Peru Profundo Dance Company - folkloric dance company in Chicago that performs Afro-Peruvian and Andean dances.
• Peruvian Dance Company - Dance Company in California specialized in dances from the different regions of Peru.