Take a Musical Trip - Music of Peru

   

This is a picture of Machu Picchu.

    Peru is a country in South America that is a mix of many different cultures. Peru is home to many including Indians, Spaniards, Europeans, descendants of African slaves, and Asians. It is a very old country with a rich history including one of the most important Peruvian cultures that lived in Peru around 600 years ago. This is the Inca tribe that built Machu Picchu and thrived for centuries before conquistadors from Spain came. 

    Due to all these different influences, Peruvian music is a fusion of sounds and styles. The music is primarily a fusion of Andean, Spanish and African roots. As well from all the cultural mixing, to go along with the unique music, there are unique dances. 

    The main reason this music sounds different is due to the cultural aspect behind the music. Peruvian music is used as a function of celebration and religion. Many types of music are used for religious ceremonies, while others are used as a celebration in regard to the history of Peru. For instance, the "celebration" music was influenced by the African slaves that brought their music to Peru. As well as there is a unique rhythm to Peruvian music. These rhythms go along with the traditional dances performed in Peru. Peruvian music as well as many of its own unique instruments. These instruments dominate the sounds and rhythms of Peru. 

The three influences can be found in different elements of the music. 

  - "Andean influences are found within the wind instruments and helped develop the melodies of Peruvian music.

- African influences are found within the percussion instruments and heard in the rhythm.

- Lastly, Spanish influences are heard in the harmonies and found within the stringed instruments," (Gateway Peruvian music). 

    The strong African influences developed different instruments and sounds in Peruvian music. The different types of music include Marinera, Festejo, Tondero, Zamacueca, and Contrapunto de Zapateo. 

Traditional Inca Music

Title Unknown - 2018 - Composer Unknown - Cusco, Peru 

    This is an example of traditional Inca music. This music was used for religious ceremonies and dances. They used a variety of wind and percussion instruments. One of the instruments used in this video is the pinkullo. The pinkullo is similar to a flute. 

This is a picture of a pinkullo. 

El Alcatraz - Unknown Year - Arturo Zambo Caveron - Peru

    The song playing is El Alcatraz, but the style of dance is called Festejo. Festejo is a celebratory dance form of Afro-Peruvian music. This dance in particular is somewhat of a game. It is danced with female/male partners and they are trying to light each other's "tail" on fire. Festejo translates to the celebration. This is one of Peru's most popular folk rhythms and dances. 

    One of the unique Peruvian instruments that contribute to its original sound is the Cajon. The Cajon is a percussion instrument that was originally developed by African slaves. The English translation of cajon is drawer. I think that a better word to describe it would be a box. This instrument is widely used within all genres of traditional Peruvian music and is used to play rhythms. Instead of a drum set, you will most likely spot a Cajon being played. Although, there are other percussion instruments used like the bombo bass drum and the wankara. 

This is a Cajon.

This is a Wankara.

    I personally love Peruvian music. It is my culture and what I grew up around and listening to. My favorite genre of Peruvian music is Festejo. I grew up dancing Festejo as well as it is the main genre of where my family is from. My family is from Lima, Peru but more specifically from Barrios Altos. This community is filled with Afro-Latinos which is why my culture and background are so closely related to Afro-Latin influences. I enjoy the rhythms of Peruvian music and how the rhythms tell you what to dance and how to dance. Depending on the rhythm of the music is how you can tell what genre it is, although sometimes they sound too similar to tell apart. I as well think that the texture of the music is thick and rich. It is filled with unique sounds and instruments. The instruments come together to form beautiful harmonies and melodies. 

References:

“Afro-Peruvian Music and Dance.” Smithsonian Folklife Festival, https://festival.si.edu/2015/peru/performing-and-visual-arts/afro-peruvian-music/smithsonian#:~:text=In%20Peru%2C%20those%20traditions%20mixed,rich%20dance%20and%20ritual%20traditions. 

Gateway, Machu Picchu. “Peruvian Music.” Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Gateway by PeruForLess, 9 Mar. 2020, https://www.machupicchu.org/peruvian_music.htm. 

“Peru.” Geography, National Geographic Kids, 10 Feb. 2021, https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/peru#:~:text=Peru%20is%20one%20of%20the,of%20the%20world%27s%20poorest%20countries.