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 to be too generalized, since there is actually a very wide variety of music that originates from Latin America. I agree it is problematic because it disrespects the variety of music that comes from Latin American, subjugating it into a small corner, undermining how widespread it actually is.

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

Latin music is music that is produced by the Latin community, but that reside or are citizens of the United States. Latin American Music comes from any Spanish, French or Portuguese region south of the Rio Grande.

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

Ostinatos in classical music is referred a rhythm, melody or harmony that is continually repeated within a piece of music. In Caribbean and Latin American music, it is  specifically the repeated rhythm which as Dr. Munarriz puts it as the “structural scaffolding” of the work. Often many of the particular Latin American ostinatos that get repeated on top of one another to give it the sound it is known for, and it was originally from African music, and brought to South America through the slave trade and early colonization.

 

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

The Habanera pattern is most often recognized as a dotted eight, into a sixteenth, then two eights, but in the choreo-musical songs like Tumba Francesa, or Dis long time Gal, which come from Cuba and Puerto Rico, we see a much different rhythmic approach. They describe this changed habanera pattern as “ma-ni tos-tao” (roasted peanuts) or “ca-fé con pan” (coffee and bread) because these words fit the stress of the pattern and where the new beat goes.