Bachata is a form
of music and dance that originated in the countryside and
rural marginal neighborhoods of Dominican Republic. Its subjects
are often romantic; especially prevalent are tales of heartbreak
and sadness. In fact, the original term used to name the
genre used to be "amargue" ("bitterness," or "bitter
music"), until the rather ambiguous (and mood-neutral)
term bachata became popular. The origins of the term bachata
are still unknown. However, in some rural areas of the Dominican
Republic, bachata means trash, but most citizens agree that
it means a party. Others say that bachata is derived from the
Italian Ballata, which was a popular form of music in Italy
centuries ago.
Bachata grew out of - and is still closely related to - the
pan Latin-American romantic style called bolero. Over time,
it has been influenced by merengue - a fast paced danceable
music also native to the Dominican Republic - and by a variety
of Latin American guitar styles.
The music itself is played in 4/4. The most recognizable aspect
of bachata instrumentation is the use of an amplified guitar
(either electric or acoustic) whose sound has been doctored
with a flanger, reverb, echo, or a combination of the three.
The use of arpeggiated chords as the basis for the melody is
almost standard. An additional guitar, called the 'segunda'
or rhythm guitar is usually mixed at a lower volume, and provides
syncopation. An electric bass guitar and güira help anchor
the rhythm - with the güira sounding a bit like a high-hat
(in pre 1990s bachata, maracas were played instead of güira).
The use of the bongo drum further solidifies the basic beat,
and provides and percussive accents in transition points -
for instance right before a chorus.
History
Derived from the Latin American tradition of guitar music,
and originally named for the crude bars and clubs where guitarists
and singers would perform, bachata emerged in the 1960s. According
to a documentary,[1] the Beatles cover of Till There Was You
(first performed in 1963) helped inspire the genre. Eventhough
some set the origins of Bachata to the early 60s, Bachata songs
were played in the brothels of the Dominican Republic in the
early 50s. In 2002 a commemorative album was released celebrating
the 50th aniversary of the Bachata music. [1] While popular
radio filled the air waves with merengue and salsa, bachata
musicians were forced to develop their own system of producing
and distributing their music. As with most styles of Latin
American music, bachata is predominantly performed by male
singers. Early bachateros were Confesor González, Luis
Segura, José Manuel Calderon, Inocencio Cruz, Rafael
Encarnación, Rafael Alcántara, etc.
The bachata played today uses electric guitar and has phrasing
which is more rhythmic and groove-like than in earlier styles.
The evolution to electric has helped make bachata more danceable
and accessible.
Some attribute Juan Luis Guerra's Grammy winning 1992 release,
Bachata Rosa, to helping bachata to gain legitimacy and international
recognition. Others argue that Guerra had very little to do
with bachata's rise, and that, although he used the word 'bachata'
in an album title, he never actually even recorded a song in
the bachata style.
At present 2006, the Dominican group Aventura is probably
the best known bachata group worldwide, its single "Obsesion" having
dominated for a long time radio play both in Latin America,
US Latino markets and countries as distant as Italy and Sweden.
While he is superseded in the international audience by Aventura,
for the Dominican audience, the most popular of the modern
bachateros has undeniably been Antony Santos. Other artists
of note include Luis Vargas, Raulin Rodriguez, Zacarias Ferreira,
Frank Reyes, Monchy y Alexandra, Andy Andy, Leonardo Paniagua,
Los Toros Band, and Joe Veras.
Dance
The basic footwork is a series of simple steps that produce
a back and forth or sideways motion. A schematic footwork
would be as follows: starting with the right foot make a
chasse to the right on counts 1,2,3. On 4, touch the left
toe beside your right foot (alternatively, tapping the left
toe in place, i.e., apart from the right foot, make an upwards
jerk with the left hip). Then do the same from your left
foot. The character of the dance is achieved through sensual
hip and body movements.
