MUSIC OF THE COLOMBIAN ANDEAN REGION - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The music of the Colombian Andean region that we know today arises as a mixture between the songs of the indigenous populations and the exchange with the black and Spanish culture.

Genres such as Bambuco, Caranga, Guabina, Pasillo and El Torbellino, are nothing more than a fusion of cultures that over several centuries were established in the imaginary of the Colombian people.

Music from the Andean region of Colombia

These musical styles are linked to other artistic manifestations such as dance, and to religious and secular festivals.

The Andean region is located in the center of Colombia and is divided into three mountain ranges called Central, Occidental and Oriental. Its name is deduced from its location within the Andes Mountains.

Music in pre-Hispanic times

Pre-Columbian Andean peoples such as the Chibchas were determined to use flutes, ceramic trumpets, maracas, and drums as musical instruments. With them they interpreted simple melodies that were accompanied by songs and dances.

Music was an indispensable part of the daily work as well as in religious or war events.

Origin and interpretation of Andean musical styles

In this period, the characteristic music of the Andean area emerged: Bambuco, Caranga, Guabina, Pasillo and Torbellino. In all there is a fusion of Spanish, indigenous and black styles.

These musical styles are considered exclusive to the Andean region because their interpretation does not resemble other rhythms of the Colombian territory, which is why their origin in this area is confirmed.

These pieces were performed by instrumental groups called Chirimía in which instruments such as drums, maracas and transverse reed flutes were used.

When the group was not the Chirimía, the Murga was used. The latter was more linked to European interpretations as it was a small group or even an orchestra of string instruments with trebles, bandolas, requintos and guitars.

Bamboo

It is played in a 6/8 tempo with strings and flutes and couplets are sung over them. This musical style goes hand in hand with a type of dance that bears the same name and both are the most characteristic manifestation of the Andes.

Whirlwind

It is used as background music for the braid dances and the three dance. String, wind and percussion instruments are used for its interpretation.

The whirlwind serves as a background in religious processions but also in secular festivals.

Caranga

It is interpreted with tiple, requintos, guitars, dulzainas and guacharacas. What is interesting about this piece does not lie in the musical, but in its burlesque lyrics and its double meaning in themes related to daily life.

Guabina

It is the characteristic musical theme of Santander and Tolima. It is played almost exclusively with string instruments.

Corridor

It is played with a fast or slow pace depending on the occasion. The fast is common at club parties, weddings, bullfights, and the slow is accompanied by melancholy serenade-like songs.

For its execution the tiple and the guitar are used and sometimes also the piano.

References

1. Ocampo, J. (2006). Colombian folklore, customs and traditions. Bogotá: Plaza & Janes. Retrieved on October 21, 2017 from: books.google.es
2. Duque, C. (2005). Territories and imaginaries between urban places. Identity and region processes in cities of the Colombian Andes. Bogotá: University of Caldas. Retrieved on October 21, 2017 from: books.google.es
3. Koorn, D. (1977) Folk music of the Colombian Andes. Washintong: Washington University. Retrieved on October 21, 2017 from: books.google.es
4. Borsdorf, A; Stadel, C. (2015). The Andes. A Geographical Portrail. Switzerland: Austral. Retrieved on October 21, 2017 from: books.google.es
5. Miñana, C. (2006). Between Folklore and ethnomusicology in Colombia. Bogotá: A Contratiempo. Retrieved on October 21, 2017 from danzaenred.com
6. Miñana, C. (2009). Party and music. Transformations of a relationship in the Andean Cauca of Colombia. Lima: Dupligráficas Ltda. Retrieved on October 21, 2017 from infoartes.pe
7. Jaramillo, J. (sf). Peasants of the Andes. Bogotá: National University of Colombia. Retrieved on October 21, 2017 from: magazines.unal.edu.co