A huge part of the deep culture of Chile is made up by its music. There are various forms that uniquely play an important role in the entertainment of the Chilean people.
Chile's rich folklore music has three influences based on the geographical zones, each housing their own sounds and characteristics. Additionally, Easter Island music as well as Mapuche music have their own musical expressions but central folk remains the most popular.
Aymara and Quechua culture hold a strong influence over North parts of the country including the Andean region, parts of Peru and a region belonging to Bolivia. The dances are pieces of activity representing ancient Inca religion. Other forms of folk music and dance are the Cachimbo and the Trot.
The Chilean cueca is probably the most recognized form of music in Chile and in 1824, was first made public. This unique musical piece uses a major key for composition with a six-eight timing. This is an improvisational piece of music and does not follow any orthodox rules. Motives of the composition are freely allowed to intermingle and the words that accompany the music, follow the same style.
An important form of traditional Chilean song is called the Tonada. It is one of the few forms of music that does not involve dance. Spanish colonist imported this music and it uses a prominent melody. Groups such as Los de Ramon and Los Huasos Quincheros have adopted the Tonada to be the musical expression that they are primarily known for.
The third most popular Chilean musical groups are Illapu, Inti Illimani and Congresso. They stand out from all of the others with their blend of modern sounds and old folk influence. Los Tres is a current popular rock group and they have performed on a live MTV performance and are gaining recognition. A few others fairly well known are La Ley, Lucybell and Los Tetas.
Chilean music is a reflection of the spirit of the dwellers of the land, especially of the Altiplano and much of the music is greatly influenced by traditional folklore. In the 1960's, folk Chilean music received International recognition. Violeta Parra, along with her children, Isabel and Angel appeared as songwriters and singers who represented the political cause in Chile. Musical groups like Inti Illimara and Quilapayun toured North American and Europe. After the 1990 restoration of democracy, many singers and groups found their way back home to Chile.
Coming out of the Andean music revolution in the 1960's emerged Nueva Canción who became well emerged with the activism of politics and Chilean socialists. The roots of artists such as Parra and Nueva assisted in revitalizing music of the traveling singers and poets.
Traditional music that comes from Easter Island consists of chanting and singing that is quite similar to that of Tahitian music. Families perform together as choirs accompanied by a conch shell trumpet and a dancer jumping on a stone as percussion. Due to the Chilean contact, other forms of music such as the Tango have had an influence on Easter Island.
Today the music of Chile still remains full of culture and tradition. Although there is Chilean rock and famous performers and bands, they always hold part of their heritage musical roots, making the music so easy to appreciate and love.