Written Assignment 3: Conjunto Music
Purpose: To compare “La Chicharronera” with “La Cumbia de Chon”, using the recordings indicated
The accordion is a main feature of Conjunto music. Listen to the following recordings of “La Chicharronera” performed by the virtuoso accordion player Narciso Martínez and “La Cumbia De Chon” performed by Esteban (Steve) Jordan. Compare and contrast the accordion styles of the two musicians by addressing the instrumentation, solo vs. ensemble playing, different styles of music, and the types of improvisation that you hear. Use a minimum of 500 words.
“La Chicharronera” (“The Pork Cracklings Maker”) – performed by Narciso Martínez
“La Cumbia De Chon” – performed by Esteban (Steve) Jordan
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Assignment 3 Guidelines
On your computer, log in to your C4ELink account and listen to the complete songs. You must use the C4ELink versions of the songs in order to complete the assignment accurately. You may create a free Spotify account, or you may subscribe to a student account for $5/month.
Write an essay of at least three paragraphs comparing the two songs. Start by identifying the title and performer of the selections. For each song, address each of the following items:
The name of the performer.
A short analysis of the following points:
Instrumentation: What instruments are used in the recording? Identify the instruments specifically by name and describe how they are used in the recording. Are they used as background to a singer?
Solo vs. ensemble: Are there solo breaks played by one instrument? Are there sections where one instrument is featured while the other instruments play in the background? Which instruments play together as an ensemble? Which instruments play solos?
Overall musical style: “La Chicharronera” is a polka, while Steve Jordan’s version of “La Cumbia de Chon” incorporates elements of jazz and rock. Describe the different musical styles of each song, paying attention to rhythm, meter, and melody.
Each recording features sections of virtuosic, improvised accordion playing. In your own words, describe the types of improvisation you hear.
Your finished project will have a description of instrumentation, musical style, and accordion improvisation of each recording.
Your essay should be a minimum of 500 words. If you write only 500 words, be sure you cover all parts of the assignment in detail. Proofread for proper grammar and correct spelling. 15 points will be deducted for poor grammar, spelling errors, and typos.
Please be aware that professors have posted fake essay answers to this assignment online. In past semesters, students have copied those fake essays and submitted them as their own work. Not only did they dishonestly submit someone else’s work as their own, they turned in worthless, fake essays. Please be honest and submit your own work.
