Jarabe
Encyclopedia
The jarabe is one of the most traditional song forms of the mariachi
genre. In the Spanish language
, jarabe literally means syrup, which probably refers to the mixture of meters within one jarabe (compare salsa
).
Typically, a jarabe will go from a 6/8 to others sections with 3/4, 2/4, return to 6/8 and end in another meter. The 6/8 rhythmic pattern is a constant pattern with no contratiempos as in the son jaliscience
. Although today the jarabes are instrumental songs only, the jarabes originated as a medley of favorite regional sones and canciones. The regional nature of the jarabes are often visible in their name, e.g. Jarabe tapatío
(Tapatío
is something or someone from the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco
). The jarabe is traditionally performed with dancers, and in its traditional form constituted a highly improvised choreographic tradition.
Jarabe verses were a vehicle of popular resistance during the Mexican Revolution
. While church and state decried them as immoral and subversive, and the accompanying dance as lascivious, the people felt the jarabe represented them and their political aspirations.
Mariachi
Mariachi is a genre of music that originated in the State of Jalisco, in Mexico. It is an integration of stringed instruments highly influenced by the cultural impacts of the historical development of Western Mexico. Throughout the history of mariachi, musicians have experimented with brass, wind,...
genre. In the Spanish language
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
, jarabe literally means syrup, which probably refers to the mixture of meters within one jarabe (compare salsa
Salsa music
Salsa music is a genre of music, generally defined as a modern style of playing Cuban Son, Son Montuno, and Guaracha with touches from other genres of music...
).
Typically, a jarabe will go from a 6/8 to others sections with 3/4, 2/4, return to 6/8 and end in another meter. The 6/8 rhythmic pattern is a constant pattern with no contratiempos as in the son jaliscience
Son Jaliscience
Son Jaliscience from Jalisco and Colima, in Mexico, has both instrumental and versed songs in this form, mostly in major keys. It is performed by mariachi ensembles. It has an alternating rhythmic pattern in the armonía and guitarrón. Basic pattern consists of one measure of 6/8 with the next...
. Although today the jarabes are instrumental songs only, the jarabes originated as a medley of favorite regional sones and canciones. The regional nature of the jarabes are often visible in their name, e.g. Jarabe tapatío
Jarabe tapatío
The Jarabe Tapatío dance in its standardized form was first choreographed by the Mexican, in the early twentieth century to celebrate a government-sponsored fiesta that commemorated the successful end of the Mexican Revolution....
(Tapatío
Tapatío
Tapatío is a Mexican Spanish colloquial term for someone from Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, Mexico's second largest city. It is also used as an adjective for anything associated with Guadalajara.-Etymology:...
is something or someone from the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco
Guadalajara, Jalisco
Guadalajara is the capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco, and the seat of the municipality of Guadalajara. The city is located in the central region of Jalisco in the western-pacific area of Mexico. With a population of 1,564,514 it is Mexico's second most populous municipality...
). The jarabe is traditionally performed with dancers, and in its traditional form constituted a highly improvised choreographic tradition.
Jarabe verses were a vehicle of popular resistance during the Mexican Revolution
Mexican Revolution
The Mexican Revolution was a major armed struggle that started in 1910, with an uprising led by Francisco I. Madero against longtime autocrat Porfirio Díaz. The Revolution was characterized by several socialist, liberal, anarchist, populist, and agrarianist movements. Over time the Revolution...
. While church and state decried them as immoral and subversive, and the accompanying dance as lascivious, the people felt the jarabe represented them and their political aspirations.