The time signature of this music is 6/8, with a tempo
marked Allegro. It is an easy piece suitable for a
student with some experience. The rhythm features a
very distinctive syncopation whereby each phrase of the
melody ends on the off-beat of the first beat of the
bar.
The tune "Cactus Dance" is inspired by a traditional
song form from Mexico, the Jarabe. The word Jarabe
means a syrup in Spanish. During the Mexican revolution
the Jarabe was used as a means of popular resistance
against...(+)
The time signature of this music is 6/8, with a tempo
marked Allegro. It is an easy piece suitable for a
student with some experience. The rhythm features a
very distinctive syncopation whereby each phrase of the
melody ends on the off-beat of the first beat of the
bar.
The tune "Cactus Dance" is inspired by a traditional
song form from Mexico, the Jarabe. The word Jarabe
means a syrup in Spanish. During the Mexican revolution
the Jarabe was used as a means of popular resistance
against Spanish domination. The state labeled the music
and dancing as immoral and subversive, but the people
continued in an expression of their political dreams.
Jarabes are often named after the region or the people
from whence they were born; for example "Jarabe
tapatío" (Tapatío is in the name given to somebody
from Guadalajara, Jalisco). Today Jarabes are
instrumental but they originated as medleys of
canciones (songs).
The "Jarabe tapatío" is also known as the "Mexican Hat
dance" in some parts of the world.
SHEET MUSIC