Son

Definition

Son is a genre of music that originated in Cuba during the late 19th century, combining elements of Spanish and African musical traditions. Characterized by its rhythmic patterns and lively melodies, son laid the groundwork for the development of various Latin music styles, notably salsa, influencing not just the Latin American music scene but also making waves globally.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Son emerged in rural Cuba, particularly in the eastern regions, and is characterized by its unique combination of guitar, trumpet, and percussion instruments.
2. The clave rhythm is central to son music, providing a syncopated framework that supports various musical phrases.
3. As son evolved, it incorporated influences from other genres like jazz, further enriching its complexity and appeal.
4. The introduction of son to urban centers like Havana in the early 20th century helped it gain popularity and evolve into new forms such as salsa.
5. Key figures in the development of son include the sexteto Habanero and the Trio Matamoros, who played significant roles in popularizing this genre.

Review Questions

• How did son influence the development of other Latin music genres?
  • Son served as a foundational genre for many Latin music styles, most notably salsa. Its rhythms and melodic structures influenced the way musicians approached composition and performance. The lively characteristics of son laid the groundwork for the energetic elements found in salsa, allowing it to evolve into a distinct genre that brought together diverse musical influences while maintaining roots in traditional son.
• Discuss the role of clave rhythm in son music and its significance in other genres.
  • The clave rhythm is crucial to son music, acting as a guiding structure that helps unify various musical elements. This syncopated pattern creates a strong sense of timing that is essential for both performers and dancers. As son evolved into other genres like salsa and mambo, the clave remained a vital component, reinforcing its importance across multiple Latin music styles and highlighting its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
• Evaluate how the introduction of son to urban centers like Havana transformed its musical landscape and impacted global music scenes.
  • The introduction of son to urban centers such as Havana marked a significant transformation in its musical landscape. As musicians began to experiment with new arrangements and incorporate elements from jazz and other genres, son adapted to the cosmopolitan environment. This transformation not only solidified son’s place within Latin music but also helped it resonate with international audiences, leading to the global rise of salsa. The blending of traditional roots with modern influences showcased how son could bridge cultural gaps, ultimately shaping diverse musical expressions worldwide.

Related terms

Rumba: A traditional Cuban dance and music genre that features strong rhythmic patterns and improvisation, often seen as a precursor to son.

Mambo: A lively dance music genre that emerged from son, incorporating big band elements and creating a bridge between son and salsa.

Salsa:

A popular dance music genre that developed in New York City during the 1960s, drawing heavily from son and other Latin styles.