pur⋅fle
–verb (used with object)
1. to finish with an ornamental border.
2. to decorate (a shrine or tabernacle) with architectural forms in miniature.
–noun
3. Also called purfling. an ornamental border, as the inlaid border near the outer edge of the table and back of a stringed instrument.
This definition instantly made me think of ¡la guitarra! More specifically, for some reason it made me think of mariachi music - not only because the guitars are "purfled", but so too are their costumes! The hats and suits are so carefully and meticulously embroidered:
Mariachi music has its origins in Mexico in the state of Jalisco around 1880. According to myth, mariachis evolved from the theatrical orchestras in Spain which had harps, jawharps, and guitars. The term mariachi is derived from the French word mariage which means marriage or wedding. So, of course, mariachis play weddings but they are also hired to play at public venues and other celebratory events. Mariachis typically dress in silver-studded black charro (cowboy or toreador) uniforms with very wide brimmed hats.
Below is an example of a mariachi band that is both relevant to Mexico and the United States. ¡Diviértase!
Music is always an interesting topic. Latin American music has so many influences on it, such as polka and Middle Eastern flavors.
ReplyDeleteWould you agree with the theory that music reflects the landscape? (e.g., music from Bolivia tends to use flutes and other wind instruments, representing the Aliplano; or how English folkloric music has an oceanic quality.)
I like your take on this word, especially since my thoughts were quite similar :).
ReplyDeleteThis post would be even better if you added a link to some music.
Yeah... I would love to hear it too.
ReplyDeleteI always teach a lesson about music in Latin America because it is very different and most of my students think we have the same music just because we all speak Spanish. We don't have "mariachis" in Puerto Rico and you don't see them at the club in Mexico either ;-) I teach about the different type of music and dances in the Caribbean and the rest of the Spanish countries. Read my blog and find out about "La danza" and the "language of the fan".
ReplyDeleteInteresting connection between purfle and mariachi music...talk more about the music and the costumes...and purfle...and why so ornate??? And yes, include a link to a youtube video with some mariachi music!
ReplyDeleteI'm from Jalisco! :)
ReplyDeleteKyle, I would absolutely agree that the music reflects the landscape - I don't know how else one could explain all the different types of Latin American music, as there are so so many.
ReplyDeletePaola - being from Jalisco, do you have any specific memories of mariachi music?