In 300 words, engage these questions.
Why does Dr. Munarriz consider the label “Latin American Music” problematic? Do you agree or disagree with his position? Why?
What is the difference between Latin American Music and Latin Music?
What are ostinatos and how are they used in many Caribbean and Latin American musical expressions?
What are some of the Latin American expressions in which the so called “Habanera Pattern” can be easily identified?
I believe Dr. Munarriz considers the label “Latin American Music” in terms of it being a generalized definition for all music from Latin America. I am, of course, only interpreting his response, as his only verbal response was to say you have to be aware of “the implications”. To me, I’m assuming the problem is with over-generalizing a subject that is quite diverse. Again, he is not saying you can’t use that term, just to be aware of how and when you use it, and to use it how you actually mean it. In my interpretation, I do agree with his stance. I also think this bares some resemblance to using the term “music theory” to primarily talk about 18th century music style of European musicians and visa versa (sorry I keep bring that prompt up; it still boggles my mind and has me questioning everything).
When we say latin music, we are talking about music produced by the latin community (who are Latin American descent living outside of Latin America). There’s probably a few more concrete differences (as Dr. Munarriz said that the dialogue and interpretations of music is constantly different between region to region in Latin America, I think there’d also be a difference in the interpretations and dialogue between Latin American Music and Latin Music).
In terms of Classical music, an ostinato is something that gets repeated. For Caribbean and Latin American, it is still something thats repeated, but now it is the structural scaffolding of the compositions. It is the anchor of the piece. Like the Habanera.
It can be seen in Contradanze (which has many subcategory depending on what region you are looking at). Tumba Francesa. Quadrill.
