Inca Music is the result of centuries of ethnic and cultural mix. The wind and percussion instruments are the best known of Inca Music. PanPipes, Flutes and the Kena are just some examples of it.
The arrival of the Spaniards to Peru meant the end for the Incas and many facets of their fantastic culture. Many transformations happened and new instruments never seen before were introduced. The appearance of the first stringed instruments such as the guitar, mandolin, lute, harp and violin. Inca Music has undergone many changes for thousands of years.
Main Peruvian-Inca Instruments
Its shape is similar to the spanish guitar however there is a variation in the shape, number of strings and the tune, depending on the region. It is used to play different styles of inca – peruvian music such as vals, marinera or huayno.
This is a small guitar shape instrument with 10 strings. Perhaps the best example of native genius was the creation of the Charango, it is made with the shell of an armadillo and also made of wood.
A percussion instrument that has reach out to the world music, it has recently been incorporated in flamenco music. Basically it is a wooden box with a hole at the back. To play it, you must sit down on top of it and slap the front with the palm of your hands. Mostly played for Marinera or Afro Peruvian music.
This instrument is a peruvian flute very well known around the world. It features 5-6 holes and they are made in different sizes out of cain and wood among other materials.
The zampoña is made out of cain. It is a series of tubes of different sizes bound together. This wind instrument is used in many different areas of Peru and it varies in number of tubes and size depending on the region.
Peruvian Music Video
Peru-Inca music left a rich legacy of culture and traditions. Watch some of it.
Andean Music
Some of the most famous inca music around the world is the music from the Andes. From “El Condor pasa” to a full range of andean vibes that has beautifully mixed with other musical tendencies.
But they all have one thing in common, a relaxing and even healing power that you might want to try for less than a dollar or just listen to the samples.
