A lyrical vocal form of Bolivia and northern Argentina. It is often confused with and thought to be descended from the yaraví of pre-Conquest, possibly Inca origins. Usually in triple metre in the minor mode, the vidala’s octosyllabic coplas (stanzas) and estribillos (refrains) are sung in parallel 3rds except, occasionally, when the melody is either tetratonic or pentatonic. Typical instrumental accompaniment is provided by the caja (frame drum), tambor (bass drum) and guitar played in arpeggio style.
WILLIAM GRADANTE