CHARANGO Meaning and
Definition
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The charango is a small, traditional stringed instrument originating from the Andean regions of South America, particularly Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina. It is a member of the lute family and is revered as one of the most distinctive folk instruments in the region. With its origins dating back to the colonial era, the charango reflects a diverse cultural blend of indigenous Andean traditions and Spanish music influences.
Typically, the charango comes in various sizes, ranging from approximately 60 to 90 centimeters in length. It features a resonating body, commonly constructed from a hollowed, carved-out armadillo shell, although modern versions may utilize wood or synthetic materials. The instrument has five courses of strings, which are often made from nylon or gut, and usually arranged in double or triple pairs. Traditionally, the charango had ten strings, but modern versions may have as many as 20.
Due to its small size, the charango emits a high-pitched and bright sound, often described as delicate and ethereal. It commonly accompanies folk music styles, such as huayno, cueca, and chacarera, and is played by plucking the strings with the fingers or using a plectrum. The charango has gained international recognition and has been embraced by musicians outside of its original cultural context due to its unique tonality and portable nature.
In modern times, the charango has become an emblem of Andean cultural identity, preserving indigenous musical traditions while also adapting to contemporary contexts and genres. Its distinct sound continues to captivate both traditional musicians and enthusiasts exploring the diverse music landscape of South America.
Common Misspellings for CHARANGO
- xharango
- vharango
- fharango
- dharango
- cgarango
- cbarango
- cnarango
- cjarango
- cuarango
- cyarango
- chzrango
- chsrango
- chwrango
- chqrango
- chaeango
- chadango
- chafango
- chatango
- cha5ango
- cha4ango
Etymology of CHARANGO
The word "charango" has its origins in Quechua, an indigenous language spoken in the Andean regions of South America, particularly in countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. It is derived from the Quechua words "ch'ara" meaning "a small animal" and "ngu" meaning "neck".
The charango is a small stringed instrument that is widely played in traditional Andean music. It was developed during the colonial period as the result of the blending of European stringed instruments, such as the guitar, with indigenous musical traditions. The name "charango" reflects the physical characteristics of the instrument, which features a small body and a relatively short neck.
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