THE 11 RHYTHMS OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING ANDEAN REGION - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The rhythms of the Andean region of Colombia are characterized by their diversity. It is estimated that there are at least 200 Andean rhythms. The pure rhythms are just a few; over time they have been mixed to create richer music.

Some of the most prominent rhythms are the bambuco, the whirlwind, the guabina, the aisle, the sanjuanero and the rajaleña, among others. These rhythms are associated with specific dances and expressions.

The 11 main rhythms of the Colombian Andean region

1- Bambuco

It is a mestizo rhythm, the most typical of the Colombian Andean region. It is the most traditional dance in Colombia.

The origin of the bambuco has different hypotheses: some attribute it to the indigenous Chibcha tribe, others indicate that its origin is Basque and others relate it to the African slaves, who called an instrument made with bamboo tubes a bambuco.

2- The whirlwind

It is a tune that accompanies betrothed, weddings, patron saint festivals and other popular festivals.

In this way, the peasants simply express their reactions to love, disappointment and religious sentiment, among other expressions.

It is a couple's dance in which the woman spins like a top; hence the origin of its name.

3- The guabina

It is a rhythm of European descent and in each department of Colombia it takes on a particular tone.

The typical instruments for playing the guabina are the tiple, the requinto, the bandola and the chucho, which is sometimes replaced by the tambourine.

4- The hall

It is a variant of the European waltz, with a faster rhythm. A variant of this rhythm was the capuchinada or fast national waltz.

There are two types of representation of this rhythm. One is the instrumental party hall, which is played at popular parties or weddings.

The other representation is the slow vocal corridor, which is the song of lovers, disappointments, mourning and memories.

5- The sanjuanero

It is a mix between the rhythms of the bambuco and the joropo, and is characterized by being very cheerful.

6- Rajaleña

It is one of the main rhythms of Colombia. Invites to laugh at everyday situations.

7- Guasca music

It is a rhythm in which the use of vulgar language is allowed, also called lane music. Its main characteristic is that it has easy and simple letters.

8- Fandanguillo

For the execution of this rhythm the violin, the cuatro and the maracas are used. The length of each piece will depend on how many pairs are on the wheel.

9- Guaneña

It is believed that it originated in the War of Independence, as it is a war tune, joyful and nostalgic. Her chords are dramatic, like those of the bambuco.

10- Cane

It is an autochthonous rhythm of Tolima, which is danced on a wheel and shaking the hips. It had great popularity in the patios of the peasants of Tolima.

11- Bunde Tolimense

It is native to Tolima and Huila. It is a cheerful and somewhat slow rhythm, which intertwines its sister rhythms: the bambuco, the rajaleña, the whirlwind, the aisle and the guabina.

References

1. «Andean music (Colombia)» in Wikipedia. Retrieved in October 2017 from Wikipedia at: es.wikipedia.org
2. «Musical rhythms of the Andean Region» in Andean Region (October 2011). Recovered in October 2017 from the Andean Region at: regionandinaferney.blogspot.com.ar
3. «Andean Music» in Wikipedia. Retrieved in October 2017 from Wikipedia at: es.wikipedia.org
4. "Musical rhythms of the regions of Colombia" in All Colombia. Recovered in October 2017 from Todo Colombia at: todacolombia.com
5. «Andean Rhythms» in Andean Music ». Recovered in October 2017 from Andean Music at: musicaandina2011.blogspot.com.ar
6. "The Andean region" in Colombia. Recovered in October 2017 from Colombia at: colombia.com