Music in the Andes

In contrast with many other places--where modern styles often replace older musical traditions--in the Andes each new musical layer is added, combined, and performed along with earlier ones. This volume explores the ways in which modern styles meet and interact with older, indigenous music to create a continuously evolving musical heritage. Music in the Andes examines the major contemporary indigenous, mestizo, and urban musical traditions of the region through a series of case studies. It also describes "Andean folkloric music," a cosmopolitan tradition that is performed in subways, streets, and festivals around the world. Throughout the book, author Thomas Turino underscores the dynamic interplay between musical/cultural continuity and innovation. He also emphasizes the exceptional communicative potential of music, dance, and festivals to express ethnic, class, regional, national, and gendered identities.