Why does Dr. Munarriz consider the label “Latin American Music” problematic? Do you agree or disagree with his position? Why?

Dr. Munarriz considers the label, “Latin American Music,” problematic because of the sheer diversity of musics belonging to the Latin American region. As he showcases in the lecture, each country within itself has many stylings of music based in Latin American culture and background. I agree that the label is far too general to be useful. We don’t often talk about country artists like Taylor Swift and metal artists such as Metallica under the same label of, “North American Music,” so why should the musics of Latin America be any different. In a perfect world we would be able to talk about the different cultures and nations of Latin America and their musics without having to generalize them under this massive musical umbrella.

What is the difference between Latin American Music and Latin Music?

Latin American Music is music written, composed, and performed by French, Portuguese, and Spanish peoples residing in regions south of the Rio Grande. Whereas Latin Music is music created by decedents of Latin American culture who live elsewhere in North America, such as the United States.

What are ostinatos and how are they used in many Caribbean and Latin American musical expressions?

In many Latin American musics rhythmic ostinatos are used as the backbone of the compositions. It is within the use of these ostinatos that the pieces gain their identity and their connection to Latin American culture. Examples of such ostinatos would be the Habanera, the Tresillo or the Cinquillo.

What are some of the Latin American expressions in which the so called “Habanera Pattern” can be easily identified?

Two spanish expressions that are commonly used in Latin America to denote the, “Habanera Pattern,” are, “mani tostao,” and, “cafe con pan.” The two phrases translating to roasted peanuts and coffee with bread respectively. An interesting distinction about these expressions is that they take the, “Habanera Pattern,” and offset it  by a dotted eighth note. Instead of starting the pattern on the dotted eighth the phrases instead start on the sixteenth note pickup. This gives more of a sense of forward motion to the pattern.