Latin Music Maine

Not long ago, understanding salsa meant visiting the local grocery store and browsing the Hispanic food aisle. Today, however, with the emergence of shows such as Dancing with the Stars, dance aficionados and couch potatoes alike are embracing latin music and the salsa dance that naturally follows. Whether you’re interested in learning more about latin dancing and the latin music that accompanies it—or just enjoy the tropical beat of spanish music—understanding the different characteristics of these hot styles will ensure that you are an aficionado of all things latin.

Sure, to our foreign ears, spanish and latin music can sound almost exactly the same. In a lot of ways, also, they are similar. However, each type of music carries with it a unique style, origin, and flavor. Despite this, one cannot ignore the impact that the arrival of the Spanish had on the stylistic sound of latin music. As a result, latin music draws a lot of influence from traditional spanish style. Are you wrong to use the terms “spanish music” and “latin music” interchangeable? Technically, yes. Spanish music may have influenced the emergence of latin music, but it carries its own styles and sounds marked by specific regions of Spain and Europe. So, while you may confuse the music store clerk by asking for spanish music when you really mean latin, you won’t be chased out. Just prepare to be confused if you do.

As mentioned earlier, spanish sound contributes a lot to the overall sound of latin music. However, what makes this style of music so unique is the combination of a multitude of different sounds from different countries. Although there are some controversial stances on the origins and flavors of latin music, the general co census is that its style is made up of a combination of spanish, African, European, and local Latin American sounds.

Today, latin music is popular all over the world, particularly in its homeland—Central and Southern America, Mexico, and Cuba. However, even countries such as Japan have now embraced this contagious style.

Based on a spanish music style (decima), in which there are ten lines with eight syllables each, latin music also relies heavily on African polyrhythms. These are the beats that give latin music its unique style. However, polyrhythms alone don’t make this unique sound alone.

While spanish music may be the origin of latin music, they are different. Both draw elements from African styles, however, it is the addition of European style that adds the final unique ingredient to latin music. Today, there are literally hundreds of styles of latin music, with each spanish-speaking country adding its own flair and interpretation of this style.

Pensacola Symphony

(850) 435-2533
P.O. Box 1752
Pensacola, FL
www.pensacolasymphony.com