M for Mariachi Music

ABC Wednesday
October 5th, 2016

The letter is M for Mariachi Music

Mariachi is a genre of music that originated

in the State of Jalisco, 

in Western Mexico.

It is an integration of stringed instruments influenced by the cultural impacts
 of the historical development of Western Mexico, and throughout the history
of mariachi musicians have experimented with
brass, wind and percussion instruments.

The Mariachi ensemble generally consists of violins, trumpets, a
classical guitar, a vihueta (high pitched five string guitar)
a guitarron (large acoustic bass) and sometimes a harp or two.

The original Mariachi were street musicians, or buskers.

Now they dress in silver studded charro outfits with wide brimmed hats and many
are professional entertainers doing paid gigs.

The term "Mariachi" is said to be an adaption of the French word for marriage
as this type of musical formation used to play at such events.

Here is a stirring example of this music that
has become emblematic of Mexican music...

 

For more interesting Ms muscle your way over to
ABC Wednesday, here, 
with thanks to Roger, Denise, Leslie
and all musical helpers.