Orquesta típica, or simply atípica, is a Latin American term for a band which plays popular music. The details vary from country to country. The term tends to be used for groups of medium size (about 8 to 12 musicians) in some well-defined instrumental set-up.
In Argentina and Uruguay, the term orquesta típica is associated withtango music. The orquesta típica usually comprises a string section (three or four violins, and sometimes viola and cello), three or morebandoneons, and a rhythm section (piano anddouble bass).[1] An orquesta típica is an expanded version of a sexteto típico, which includes 2 bandoneons, 2 violins, double bass and piano.
In Cuba, a típica is an ensemble mainly composed ofwind instruments, which was very popular in the mid-19th century. One of the earliest,Orquesta Flor de Cuba, had the following make-up:cornet,trombone, figle (ophicleide), twoclarinets, twoviolins,double bass,kettle drum, andgüiro. Theophicleide was a sort of bass bugle with keys, invented in 1817, now superseded by the tuba and/or baritone horn, the name surviving for a pipe organ stop; the trombone would be more typically a valved rather than a slide instrument.
In the early 20th century, there were still several popular orquestas típicas, such as those directed by Enrique Peña and Félix González. In 1915,charangas began to replace orquestas típica, a process which was largely complete by 1925.[2] Charangas would become, along with sonconjuntos and Cuban-stylebig bands, one of the main precursors of the salsa ensemble, which is characterized by the inclusion of multiple trombones. Salsa ensembles can also feature trumpets along with piano, double bass, güiro, conga and bongó.[3] In the salsa context, the termtípico usually refers to the sound of the conjuntos of the 1940s, such asArsenio Rodríguez's, or to those of the original charangas danzoneras (charangas típicas), such asArcaño y sus Maravillas, since orquestas típicas never reached the United States.