An Afro-Cuban genre of vocal (and often dance) music which developed in the 1800s. In this century guarachas have merged with the son, but are faster in tempo and incorporate bawdy or satirical lyrics.
The modern guaracha is played in 4/4 time. The lyrics are lewd, satirical or silly providing social and political commentary.
A vocal style which often has satirical and humorous lyrics, musically close to the son style.
It is the portside brothels and taverns in Havana that the guaracha emerges in the 18th Century. The guaracha songs have words full of salacious allusions, with humoristic criticism of the governing power or of everyday situations. Since its beginnings, the guaracha has been a popular spokes medium, which reinforces the satirical party spirit so loved by the Cubans. The guaracha survived in the lower classes before conquering places of higher regard in the mid 20th Century, particularly with the influence of groups playing dance music and composers such as Nico Saquito or Julio Gutiérrez that took possession of the style, causing the genre to become a hybrid, namely the guaracha- son or guaracha- rumba.
1. Traditionally an early form of peasant street music with satirical lyric content somewhat in the Son rhythm style. 2. Loose term for a general, medium-tempo Son Montuno or a little brighter-style tune or groove.
Traditionally a form of música campesina (peasant or country music) which developed as a form of street music, originally featuring satirical lyrics. Now generaly associated with tunes of moderate tempo.
A satirical song for a single voice backed by a chorus.
The original Cuban guaracha was a topical song form for chorus and solo voice, with improvisation in the solo. It was presented in 3/4 and 6/8 or 2/4 time signature. The guaracha developed a second section, employed for much improvisation, as in the son montuno. It appeared to have almost died out in Cuba by the 1930s, yet it is now one of the forms commonly used by salsa groups; a fast rhythm with a basic chicka-chicka pulse. Its last section is the probable source of the instrumental mambo. The guaracha is said to have originated in 18th-century maisons d'assignation and its lyrics are still often racy and satirical.
an up-tempo song and dance genre; a major element of salsa along with rumba and son
