I will be talking about the movie coco because I believe it is a great tool to show the

diversity of music in the Mexican culture.

While the native heritage of the Mexican population is important, the influence of
Spanish culture is also quite prevalent. Mexico is the fourth largest country in the
Western hemisphere and has a population of 107 million. Mexico City, one of the
largest urban areas in the world today, with more than fifteen million people, is built
on the ruins of Tenochtitlán, the center of trade and military activity of the Aztec
empire, which dominated the region for nearly one hundred years. The Aztec era
(1427–1521) remains an important source of cultural pride for much of the
population, many of whom are direct descendants of the Aztec.
Young Miguel wants to become a musician, but his family despises music and will
not even let him listen to it. The music of Central and South America, and of Mexico
(geographically part of North America), comprises three major ingredients:
Indigenous traditions, European-derived music, and African-inspired musical
activity. Miguel discovers the reason that his family hates music is due to his great-
great-grandfather Héctor. Héctor was a man who loved music and his family
resented him for choosing music over his own family. Mariachi music has come to
represent the true soul of the Mexican spirit in the United States.
What really makes the music in COCO special is that it brings together and showcases
the diversity of Mexican music. With the development of Mexican culture, the specific
national variety of musical genres become wider. It is possible to name the most popular
through all of them. They are Son, Ranchera, Mariachi and Norteno. Son is the generic
term for traditional Mexican folk music. It first appeared in the 17th century and is a fusion
of indigenous, Spanish and African traditions much like Cuban son(liveabout.com). The
rhythm of son is brisk. A good example is the song “La Bamba” by Richie Valens.
Ranchera is an outgrowth of Son. Ranchera consider the most “Mexican” of musical
forms because most songs revolved around the themes of national pride. It originated in
Mid 19th century. The songs are not just one rhythm. Many of them are sung in ¾ time
and are punctuated by the infamous Mexican grito, which is a high-pitched cry mixed
with a laugh that has become a trademark of the form. Miguel uses this type of music in
the songs that he sings. Mariachi music is An entertainment music associated with
festivals and celebratory events in Mexico. This is another type of music that Miguel uses
in the songs. You will be able to listen to it in the up coming slides. While sad and
romantic songs are common to the genre, contagiously peppy performances, such as
the audio example, are the more common conception of mariachi music. s. Melodic
passages are exchanged between the violins and the trumpets, with the guitars as a
constant rhythmic and harmonic accompaniment. A typical Mariachi ensemble was
formed by four or five guitars, a “guitarrón” (a sort of a large bass guitar), violins, some
“vihuelas” (a kind of guitar with a round back), and a harp with 28 to 40 strings. In some
regions of Mexico a small snare drum was commonly included into the ensemble.
The instrumentation is violin, trumpet, guitar, and two essential original instruments
modified from the Spanish Conquistadores, the guitarron, a large fretted plucked
lute from Mexico, similar to a guitar but with a convex resonator and vihuela, a
small, fretted plucked lute from Mexico, similar to a guitar but with a convex
resonator. Guitarra de golpe, flute, and harp add another dimension of
sophistication. Modern mariachi does not use drums or percussion instruments; the
guitarron and vihuela carry the rhythm. Son music uses guitar, guitarrón, violin,
and sometimes a small drum. Ranchero music use guitars trumpets and
accordions.
Anthony began singing at the age of four with his family in the historic La
Placita Olvera district in L.A. He is of Guatemalan, Mexican, Puerto Rican,
German & Italian descent. What started his career was landing the role of
Miguel and won multiple awards for playing this role. Anthony mentions in
an interview that he relates to the character he plays both have this
passion for music and we both know the importance of family.
History of the Song or Composition: In the movie, “Un Poco Loco” is the song sung
by Miguel at a competition he entered. The winner of the competition would be
granted an opportunity to go to Ernesto de la Cruz’s concert.
Publication Date: October 19, 2017
Producer: Germaine Franco & Adrian Molina
Where recorded: Warner Bros. Studios:
Performers: Anthony Gonzalez & Gael García Bernal
Tell us why this song/composition is important: I grew up around this type of music
and im very prideful and happy of my culture. Happy Cinco de Mayo!
What touches your personally about the music: The Hispanic culture. I feel like
Mexicans don’t get enough reputation. Although its flattering. Its nice to see that
Mexicans are more than hard workers.
Gael García Bernal was born November 30,1978, in Guadalajara, Mexico. He is a Mexican
actor and producer who became known for his films that characterized men and women in
a nonconformist relationship. Raised by his mother, Patricia Bernal, and father, Jose Angel
Garcia, who both were already in in the acting scene.
History of the Song or Composition: In the movie, In a flashback, Hector (Gael Garcia
Bernal) sings “Remember Me” as a lullaby to his daughter Coco, Miguel’s great
grandmother, before leaving to tour with Ernesto de la Cruz.
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