Building From Others

Alcione Dias Nazareth, Não Deixe o Samba Morrer

This song is a classic example of Latin American Samba. Samba music originated in Brazil, but much of its roots are in African rhythms and drum beats and European influences. Like much of Latin American music, it is a fusion of traditions from different cultures. Great creativity and innovation can come from building off of others' ideas and creations.

One invention that had a huge influence on modern music was the development of Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) in the 1980's. MIDI devices, including electronic keyboards, speak a common language, with messages describing what notes are to be played and for how long, the tempo, which instruments are to be played, and at what volumes. The invention of MIDI allowed for the development of notation software. With notation software, music may be entered into a music score on the computer, played back via MIDI instructions, and revised extensively before being printed. This was a totally new kind of work space for composers, and it led to a burst of creativity in music composition.

Finale Music Notation Software- user workspace

Just as notation software provides a new kind of work space and a new way to think about music, the fusion of cultures that has taken place in the history of Latin America has provided a multitude of new ideas and ways of thinking about music. When African and European people came together, each had their own instruments and their own musical traditions. Bringing these ideas together gave all the people new ideas to work with. The fusion allowed for the creation of something new: the music of samba.

The music of Latin America continues to evolve as composers are influenced by interactions with others and by inventions such as electronic music. Whether new instruments, new software, or new musical ideas, the creations and inventions of others can provide us inspiration to help us think outside our bubble and create something unique and beautiful.