A hombros de gigantes: dos composiciones y una adaptación para banda de flautas caucanas

Abstract

The Caucana Flute Bands are part of the complex of traditional Colombian music from the department of Cauca and the southern Pacific region. Their musical practice traditionally lies with Indigenous communities such as the Nasa, Yanakuna, and Misak, as well as Afro-descendant communities. These musical expressions are characterized by rhythms such as bambuco, pasillo, and march, and their instrumentation includes cane transverse flutes, Andean bass drums (bombos andinos), leather snare drums, maracas, charrascas, and triangles. In Bogotá, these musical traditions have had a cultural impact, leading over time to interest from various musical groups, schools, and individuals in the performance and research of these musical forms. This thesis aims to explore the presence and development of Caucana flute bands in Bogotá from the late 20th century onward through interviews with several musicians who have been leading exponents of these traditions in the city. Complementing this research are two original compositions and one adaptation for a Caucana flute band ensemble. These creative works are inspired by the three core themes of this thesis: Bogotá-based Caucana flute bands, their musical training, and the connection between Caucana flute band music and academia.