Orquesta típica

Orquesta típica, or simply a típica, is a Latin-American term for a band which plays popular music. The details vary from country to country. The term tends to be used for groups of medium size (about 8 to 12 musicians) in some well-defined instrumental set-up.

Argentina

In Argentina, a típica is a tango orchestra (see tango music). This usually comprises a string section (with violins, viola, and cello), a bandoneón section (with 3 or more bandoneons), and a rhythmic section (with piano, and double bass). An orquesta típica is an expanded version of a Sexteto Tipico, which includes 2 bandoneons, 2 violins, double bass, and piano.

Cuba

In Cuba a típica is a band or conjunto mainly composed of wind instruments. They have existed at least from the middle of the 19th century to the present day. One of the earliest, Orquesta Flor de Cuba, had the following make-up: cornet, trombone, figle (ophicleide), two clarinets, two violins, double bass, kettle drum, and güiro. The ophicleide was a sort of bass bugle with keys, invented in 1817; the t-bone would be a valve trombone. See Early Cuban bands for more examples.

Típicas form one of the basic formats for salsa music, with some modification in the instrumentation. A typical salsa conjunto might be: two trumpets; trombone; double bass; piano; bongo; conga drum or timbales; güíro.^[1]

References

1. ^ Orovio, Helio 1981. Diccionario de la música cubana. La Habana. p407

See also

• Latin music
• Music of Argentina
• Music of Cuba
• Music of Uruguay
• Tango music
• Orquesta Tipica (2005 film)