Musica Venezuela - a Blend of Several Cultures and Traditions

Venezuela, the most urbanized Latin American country, holds a rich cultural history. Folk music occupies the lion portion of country's cultural sphere along with art, language and architecture. The folk music of Venezuela is popular not only in neighboring countries but in whole wide world! Indigenous style, down-to-earth notes and country-made instrumental accompaniment make the music of Venezuela famous around in the world.

Musicians and groups of Venezuela perform in many concert halls all over the world. Since music has the power to cross both geographical and language barriers, Venezuelan folk music has got immense acceptance in all the countries of the world.

The Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar also known as Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra or Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra - a Venezuelan youth orchestra has performed in many European concert halls and at 2007 proms as well. This orchestra has received public honor and spontaneous response from European audience several times.

Cuatro - The musical instrument of Venezuela

Cuatro is the musical instrument of the country. Venezuelan Cuatro is a string instrument with a neck and deep rounded back. Cuatro belongs to guitar or lute family of instruments. Without learning about Cuatro any discussion about musica Venezuela remains incomplete. Venezuelan Cuatro is often exported to other countries. Groups and bands use Venezuelan Cuatro during Christmas while singing the tales about the birth of Christ.

Number of music enthusiasts is quite high in Venezuela. Venezuelan folk was created by general people; the song people used to sing while executing their daily works has enriched the cultural treasure of the country. At the same time Venezuelan music traces similarities with musical traditions of neighboring countries.

Different styles of music are observed flowing side by side from one corner to the other in the country. Influence of Caribbean music is quite clear in traditional Venezuelan music. Venezuelan music bears resemblance with musical styles and traditions of different regions. Let's take the example of Joropo.

Joropo - Popular Venezuelan musical style

Joropo is the most popular musical style in the country and is often referred as the true bearer of Venezuelan musical style and tradition. European and African influences can be clearly noticed in Joropo style. Some experts opine that Joropo has collected a lot of materials from Colombia music.

Joropo is generally accompanied by dance, similar like waltz. Harp, bandola, cuatro and maracas are used while presenting Joropo. Lead singer and the harp create the main melody; other instruments like cuatro are used as accompaniment.

Earlier, Joropo used to be associated with partying. But now, Joropo is referred as the native musical style of Venezuela that represents the musical culture and tradition of the country. Joropo is considered to be the most popular rhythm in the country. Famous song "Alma Llanera" is regarded as the unofficial national anthem of Venezuela.

Three types of Joropo are there: Llanero (the plain), Central and Oriental. Joropo llanero is played with maracas, cuatro and nylon stringed harp. Voice, metal stringed harp, cuatro and maracas are the main elements of Joropo central and in Joropo oriental instruments like mandolin, accordion, guitar etc. are used.

A lot of people visit Venezuela just to experience the true essence of the musical style of the country! If you are music freak and want to know more about musica Venezuela, visit the country or listen to some Venezuelan singers or groups.