Mexican Pictures

The first movement, El Butaquito, is based on a very lively folk-song of the same name and is characterised by its many contrasting rhythms. The second movement, Romance Mejicano, creates a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. The title of the third movement, Ballaviejo, means ‘Antique Dance’, in which the word antique refers to the rhythms that were taken to America by Africa’s black population. La Charreada, the final movement, depicts the popular Mexican Rodeo, where the action in the arena is usually supported by instrumental ensembles, the so-called ‘Mariacchi’.