Mexico’s waltz gift to the world: ‘Over the Waves’ (videos)


Even if you didn’t know that the proper name for this waltz is Sobre las OlasOver the Waves en Ingles — we bet you recognize the melody. Right? It’s the song they play on merry-go-rounds! And it’s not by Johann Strauss, the waltz king. It’s by Mexican classical composer Juventino Rosas, and performed here by the London Symphony Orchestra.

WFMT.FM explains:

Mas…Mexico’s waltz gift to the world: ‘Over the Waves’ (videos)

Listen: Why does Mexican music have polkas, waltzes and accordions?

bigflacoHappy birthday, Texas accordion star Flaco Jimenez! (DOB: March 11, 1939.)

Why is Mexican music filled with polkas and waltzes and accordions? It’s about immigration, according to Felix Contreras of NPR’s Alt.Latino and Chris Strachwitz of Arhoolie Records on Morning Edition:

 

PREVIOUSLY ON FLACO JIMENEZ:

Mas…Listen: Why does Mexican music have polkas, waltzes and accordions?