Title of piece: “El Sapo”

Date of composition: unknown

Date of performance/recording: 1985. Recorded by T.M. Scruggs inside the Canos’ house, in small hamlet near city of Masaya, Nicaragua.

Composer/Lyricist: unknown

Performer/Instruments: Jacinto Cano: marimba de arco; other Cano family members: guitar and guitarilla

Form: Intro, then ABAB

Tempo/meter: quick 6/8 meter

What to Listen for

  • El Sapo is first cut on this album
  • The two basic sections that each accompany a different dance step and choreography
  • Different strumming patterns for guitar and high-pitched guitarilla
  • Different harmonizing in marimba player’s right hand, with constant left-hand patterns
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