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Huapango is a family ofMexican music styles. The word likely derives from theNahuatl wordcuauhpanco that literally means 'on top of the wood', alluding to a wooden platform on which dancers performzapateado dance steps. It is interpreted in different forms, the most common being the classichuapango interpreted by a trio of musicians (un trio huasteco); thehuapango norteño interpreted by a group (un conjunto norteño); and thehuapango demariachi, which can be performed by a large group of musicians.
The classicaltrio huasteco brings together aviolin, ahuapanguera and ajarana huasteca. The classicalhuapango is characterized by a complex rhythmic structure mixingduple andtriple metres which reflect the intricate steps of the dance. When the players sing (in a duet, in a falsetto tone), the violin stops, and thezapateado (the rhythm provided by heels hitting the floor) softens. Thehuapango is danced by men and women as couples. A very popularhuapango isEl querreque, in which two singers alternate pert and funny repartées.
Huapango arribeño or son arribeño is a style of music played in the "zona media" region (part ofSan Luis Potosi,Queretaro andGuanajuato). Traditionally it is played using four instruments (jarana huasteca,huapanguera and twoviolins). The lyrics are mostly improvised and sung in the style ofdécimas, or versed poems.Guillermo Velázquez is a popular musician of the style.
Thehuapango norteño is a fast dance piece in6
8. This dance style and rhythm was included in earlyconjuntonorteño. It is performed byconjunto norteño (northern groups). The instrumentation of this type of ensemble consists ofaccordion,bajo sexto,double bass,drums andsaxophone.
Thehuapango inmariachi has alternating rhythmic patterns similar to theson jaliscience. Both major and minor keys are used. One of the distinctive characteristics is the use of afalsetto by the vocalist. Another characteristic is the use of busy violin passages for the musical introductions and interludes. Famous songs include "Rogaciano el huapanguero", "Cucurrucucú paloma" and "Malagueña".
TheHuapango is a 1941 classical piece composed byJosé Pablo Moncayo, using as inspiration severalVeracruz huapangos and the huapango rhythm.[1]
