When you think of Mexican music, you might immediately think of a mariachi band playing lively tunes. But have you ever noticed that the music sounds similar to polka? It’s not a coincidence – there’s a reason why Mexican music has a polka-like sound.
Mexican Music’s European Roots
To understand why Mexican music sounds like polka, you need to know a bit about the history of Mexico. Mexico was colonized by Spain in the 16th century, and Spanish influence can be seen in many aspects of Mexican culture, including music.
But it’s not just Spanish music that influenced Mexican music. During the 19th century, many Europeans immigrated to Mexico, bringing with them their own musical traditions. One of these traditions was the polka.
The Polka’s Rise in Popularity
The polka originated in Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) in the early 19th century. It quickly spread throughout Europe and became a popular dance. When Europeans immigrated to Mexico, they brought the polka with them.
The polka was well-suited to the lively and celebratory nature of Mexican music. It quickly became popular in Mexico and blended with existing Mexican musical traditions to create a unique sound.
The Birth of Mariachi Music
Mariachi music is perhaps the most well-known genre of Mexican music, and it has a distinct polka-like sound. But how did mariachi music come to be?
Mariachi music originated in the state of Jalisco in the 19th century. It was influenced by various musical traditions, including Spanish, indigenous Mexican, and European music, including the polka.
Over time, mariachi music evolved and became a symbol of Mexican culture. Today, it is often associated with celebrations and special occasions, such as weddings and quinceañeras.
The Instruments of Mariachi Music
One of the reasons why Mexican music sounds like polka is the use of similar instruments. Mariachi music typically features trumpets, violins, and guitars, which are also commonly used in polka music.
In addition to these instruments, mariachi music also often features the guitarrón, a large bass guitar, and the vihuela, a small five-string guitar. These instruments give mariachi music its distinct sound.
The Importance of Rhythm
Another reason why Mexican music sounds like polka is the importance of rhythm. Both genres of music feature a strong and lively rhythm that encourages dancing and celebration.
In Mexican music, the rhythm is often provided by the vihuela and guitarrón, which play a repetitive bass line that drives the music forward. The trumpets and violins provide melody and harmony, while the guitar adds texture and fills in the spaces between the other instruments.
Mexican Music’s Influence on Other Genres
Mexican music’s polka-like sound has not only influenced other genres of Mexican music, but it has also had an impact on other genres of music around the world.
For example, Latin music, which is popular throughout the world, has been influenced by Mexican music. Latin music often features similar instruments and rhythms to Mexican music and has a celebratory and lively feel.
Conclusion
So, why does Mexican music sound like polka? It’s because of the influence of European immigrants who brought the polka with them to Mexico. Over time, the polka blended with existing Mexican musical traditions to create a unique sound that is now synonymous with Mexican culture.
Today, mariachi music and other genres of Mexican music continue to be popular and celebrated around the world, thanks in part to their lively and infectious rhythms and unique blend of musical traditions.
