Mariachi took root so long ago and in such a loosely formulated way
that it’s history is not really traceable. That’s part of
the fascination of the art. It is believed that it began in Europe,
perhaps with the troubadours and went with the early explorers to Mexico,
where it met the South American music that had traveled north and combined
with some of the music brought from Africa with the slaves. The result
is one of Barry’s favorite venues.
The music is alive and bright and the variety of stringed instruments
from a type of viola, violins, guitars, bass fiddles and even harps
to the brass trumpets blend into a sound that is truly unique.
And there is the singing. Many of the musicians sing although some
groups have singers. It creates the kind of sounds that can give you
goose bumps. It is so sincere and yet so basic. It has a charm that
is only mariachi.
Then there are the costumes. Originally the groups wore the garb of
the peasants, as that is what many of them were. Then came the Mexican
Revolution of 1910. The performers suddenly had more control over their
lives and more money to spend. They began to take on the look of the
aristocrat particularly the gentlemen riders. Today the outfits seen
in the mariachi festivals and competition are magnificent. Often tight
black or white pants and shirts and vests with embellishments of lace,
silver, gold and even precious gems. The large sombreros (wide brimmed
hats) complete the look. One group can fill a stage even though there
might not be more that six or eight musicians.
If you are not familiar with mariachis, give yourself a chance to attend
a concert or watch for a mariachi special on PBS or another such TV
station. We have found that the more we watch their performances the
more we love the music, the singing (although it is usually in Spanish),
the color and the drama. If you know the history it makes watching the
mariachis even more enjoyable.
Plan to be in Tucson April 20-24. Some of the world famous groups will
be here as well as hundreds of students of the art who attend workshops
given by some of the top mariachi musicians in the world. Armory Park
is the setting for the last day festivities. From dawn to dusk you are
surrounded with people who have come to hear the music, enjoy the singing
and wonder at the color and excitement that is mariachi.
For more information: 520-884-9920 or
www.tucsonmariachi.org
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