Why does Dr. Munarriz consider the label “Latin American Music” problematic? Do you agree or disagree with his position? Why?

I agree that the term “Latin American Music” is problematic, because the term is referring to the entirety of Latin America, which leads to a generalization of the sound of music. It would be like referring to the music of the United States as “American Music”, it’s just too broad. As Dr. Munarriz explained, the variety of styles of music in Latin America is incredible, so lumping all of that diversity into “Latin American Music” would be a disservice to the culture.

What is the difference between Latin American Music and Latin Music?

The key difference between “Latin Music” and “Latin American Music” is where the music primarily originates from. Latin Music is primarily composed and performed by those of Latino or of Latino decent in the United States, while Latin American Music is the term to use for music that is created in South America.

 

What are ostinatos and how are they used in many Caribbean and Latin American musical expressions?

Ostinato is a term to describe a repeating expression in music. In Caribbean and Latin America music however, ostinatos are the core structure to the composition. Some common ostinatos heard in these styles are Amphibrach, Cinquillo, and Habanero.

 

What are some of the Latin American expressions in which the so called “Habanera Pattern” can be easily identified?

 

The Habanera Pattern is an important pattern that is deeply tied into Latin American Music, due to the fact that it is the building block of the “feel” in the style. The continuous rhythm of the eighth-dotted eighth-eighth-eighth is easily heard and widely used and can be heard in a vast majority of tunes in the style. The rhythm has a consistent bounce to it that can easily move a piece along.