Musical genres

Some musical genres

A musical genre is a category that allows us to classify a musical type composition.

There is an academic classification, which uses different criteria, from rhythm or melody, to the function of the work or the instruments used in it.

Merengue

Origin: end of the 19th century in the Dominican Republic, from where it spread throughout Latin America.

Artists and representative groups Juan Luis Guerra, Wilfrido Vargas, Los hermanos Rosario,

Although its origin is Dominican, today it is one of the most widespread musical genres in Latin American countries. It has both European and African influences. The güira and the tambora, are two of the instruments that compose the rhythmic base of the genre. While the accordion is another of its outstanding elements.

 Cumbia

Origin: beginning of the XIX century in Colombia, being one of the folkloric rhythms of this country.

Representative artists and groups: Carlos Vives, Luis Carlos Meyer, Matilda Díaz, Chico Trujillo.

Folkloric dance of Colombia, originally from the Caribbean coast, which has its roots in the indigenous or Andean, African and Spanish musical culture. Drums, maracas, but also the indigenous gaita are part of its instrumental repertoire. While the lyrics are marked by the influence of the Spanish copla.

Romantic ballad

Origin: 60's of the 20th century in different countries of Latin America and Southern Europe.

Representative artists and groups: Sergio Dalma, Celine Dion, Julio Iglesias, Laura Paussini, Burry White.

It is also known as melodic song. The orchestras, composed by a great variety of instruments, usually accompany a voice in the foreground. The melody is slow and soft and is related to other genres such as bolero or American soul.

                       Salsa

Origin: 60's of the 20th century in New York.

Representative artists and groups: Johny Pacheco, Rubén Blades, Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, Buena Vista Social Club.

It is a fusion of different Caribbean genres, brought to the U.S. by Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban immigrants. It has its roots in rhythms such as son, guaguancó, cha cha chá or mambo, among others. In fact, the rhythmic base of salsa is the "clave de son".

Bachata

Bachata: born in the Dominican Republic at the beginning of the 1960s. Influenced by rhythms such as merengue, Bolero, Cuban son or Mexican and Puerto Rican trios, it was generally accompanied by nostalgic lyrics that spoke of the love and heartbreak of its protagonists. Currently one of the most popular Latin genres in the world, even above salsa or merengue.

Musical instruments such as the güira (an idiophone), the bongo (membranophone), the guitar and the bass are used for the interpretation.

 Famous singers

Romeo Santos, the king of bachata.

Prince Royce.

Alexandra Cabrera 

Juan Luis Guerra.