墨西哥流浪樂隊

江蘇 李秀梅

墨西哥有個傳統音樂流派名叫“流浪音樂”，起源于18世紀，被認為是最早、最正宗的墨西哥音樂藝術流派。

題材體裁藝術說明文327★★★文章詞數難度建議用時6分鐘

When you think of Mexico and its culture, what kinds of things come to your mind? The mariachi band, of course!The musical tradition of mariachi includes many elements (元素). You might recognize a mariachi band's unique clothing,instruments and musical style. But mariachi also includes special dancing and performance methods.

Mariachi dates back to at least the 18th century. It started in western Mexico—possibly in the state of Jalisco. Over time, this style of music has become popular beyond Mexico's borders. In 2011,UNESCO even named mariachi as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Where did the word “mariachi” come from? Its origin is somewhat unclear.Many people believe it came from the French word “marriage”. That's because mariachi bands often play at weddings.However, experts now say the word was in use in Mexico long before the French ever arrived.

Today, most believe the word came from the Cora Indians. Native to Jalisco,the Coras used the word “mariachi” to describe a specific type of tree that grew in the area—and the wood that came from it.This happened to be the same type of wood used to make early mariachi instruments.

Today, mariachi bands usually feature at least four musicians. Often, they include as many as a dozen or more! Traditional mariachi instruments are the violin, guitar, guitarrón, and vihuela (a small five-string guitar with a round back).

It's easy to recognize mariachi bands because of the traditional charro suits they wear to perform. These special outfits include waist-length jackets, fitted pants,and special bow ties. Most band members also wear boots. Mariachi bands always dress to impress.

Have you ever seen a mariachi band?You can sometimes find them in restaurants. Many also stroll through the crowds at festivals and celebrations. Their songs often cover topics such as love, heroes,and animals. Since mariachi bands are expected to play songs requested by the crowds, they often know hundreds of different songs!

Reading Check

1. Which of the following is one of the mariachi's elements?

A. More crowds.

B. Different topics. C. Fixed performers.

D. Unique performance methods.

2. What is experts' attitude towards the opinion that the word “mariachi” came from a French word?

A. Positive. B. Doubtful.

C. Objective. D. Appreciative.

3. What does the fourth paragraph mainly talk about?

A. The Cora Indians.

B. A specific type of tree.

C. The origin of the word “mariachi”.

D. Early mariachi instruments.

4. Why should mariachi bands know various kinds of songs?

A. To meet the needs of the listeners.

B. To compete for recognition.

C. To popularize themselves.

D. To cover more topics.

Language Study

Difficult sentence in the text

Since mariachi bands are expected to play songs requested by the crowds, they often know hundreds of different songs! 由于墨西哥流浪樂隊要演奏聽眾要求的歌曲，他們通常熟悉數百種不同的歌曲！

【點石成金】本句是一個主從復合句，句中Since引導原因狀語從句，主句的主語是they，指代墨西哥流浪樂隊。