Music Mondays: Let's Talk Maracas (Hablemos de Maracas) ENG/ESP

A bit of history.

Maracas are some of the oldest instruments in the world. The earliest record of its existence goes to the Taino tribe from Puerto Rico. These instruments were used in rituals. Its use in music outside religion starts after the colonisation.

Type of Maracas in Venezuela.

There are at least 3 trypes of Maracas that are used in Venezuelan music. Musician refer to them according the the region. We have Llaneras, Orientales, Tuyeras (centrales).

Maracas Llaneras

The popularity of music from our plains has led to the stylisation of these maracas. They are painted. Their sticks are turned to be on different shapes according to he maker. Its sound is supposed to imitate a horse galloping. This is probably because people from this regions are usually great horse riders and their Identity has been codified in their music.

The calabash is usually smaller and the filling is mixed. This means the sound isn't too bright. The seeds used for maracas in general are called "capachos" or "achira". The English name of the plant is Indian Shot.

Manuel Rengel is one of the best Maracas players in the world!

Maracas Orientarles.

Bigger in size, these maracas are meant to imitate the sound of waves crashing on the shores. Since the east of Venezuela is know for its beaches and fishing and ses life is an important part of this region, the sea has gotten a spot on its music. It makes even more sense since a lot of our instruments came by sea until they were adapted to our music.

The sound of these maracas is more open and they have a lot more volume. It's playing style also requires more use of the wrists in order play them properly.

After a brief introduction, you can listen to José Rivas (+) "Pijillo" playing the maracas.

Maracas Tuyeras.

Smaller in size and usually played by the singer, these maracas have the toughest playong style. Singing and playing them is a challenge. Joropo Tuyero isn't a widespread genre of music. That's the reason why not a lot of people knows how to do this.

Joropo Tuyero is a difficult genre of music. It is played by two people. One plays the harp; the other, sings while playing the maracas. This alone is a challenge to keep track of time measures.

An example of this style.

Maracas can be adapted to different kinds of music. They are a rhythmical instrument. Their size and filling are changed to fit any kind of music. Ernesto Laya is one of the musicians who has paved the way for maracas getting into world music.

This is all for now. Do you like this instrument? What do you think about the differences between them?

Drop any questions and/or opinions in the comment section.

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