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Paraguay music is overtly European in nature. Both the structure and the instrumentations employed in tradition Paraguayan music have clearly exhibit the strong European influences exerted on the indigenous culture of the land. However, it should be remembered that the people of Paraguay are largely Spanish mestizos, and are typically proud of their indigenous identities. Thus, it may come as a surprise to many that the European musical structures are so faithfully adhered to in the music of Paraguay. Therefore, despite all the similarities there are certain distinctive features to distinguish it from identical forms as practised in Europe. One such is the characteristic usage of Guarina in place of the official Spanish as the language for the songs.
The Paraguayan polka is the most popular musical form, and also the most traditional. However, it does occasionally employ ternary rhythms along with the normal binary rhythm schemes of the European polka. If there is one form that is Paraguay's own, it is the Guarania. The form was invented by musician Jose Asunciaon Flores in 1925 and is of a plaintive nature. It amalgams a number of traditional musical motifs and uses Guarina as the language of communication. Zarzula is another popular music from Paraguay.
Rock music is gradually gaining in popularity in Paraguay, and there are a number of popular rock bands, who enjoy great fan following not only in the country but in the entire South America. Flou, Revolber, Area 69 and Paiko are some of the biggest rock bands to presently dominate the popular music scene of Paraguay. Guitar and the Paraguayan harp are the two most popular instruments in Paraguay. Guitar virtuoso Augustin Barrios is the greatest musician and composer to come from the country.
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