Music in Peru and Mexico

Although these nations were widely distant from the Oriental countries under discussion, it is interesting to note that musical systems were found to exist in both localities when there were first opened to European civilization. these systems were, however, widely different in character: for while that of Peru was idyllic and pastoral, that of Mexico was blatant and barbarous. In Peru the flute was the most popular instrument, the melodies being rendered by a group of four Panpipe players, each of whom sounded the notes belonging to a quarter of the complete scale. The barbaric pomp delighted in by the Mexicans resulted in producing strongly rhythmic music, voiced by numerous instruments of percussion, liek bells and rattles, and accompanied by dancing. Music was also the subject of religious fanaticism to such an extent that, at an annual festival, a youth was sacrificed to the god of music.