Briefly describe the alabado, addressing both its musical ...

[frankwu]

Briefly describe the alabado, addressing both its musical characteristics and religious function.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Who is Lydia Mendoza and what was her contribution to Mexican American Music?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[ong527]

Answer to Question 1

a religious folk song in free meter sung in unison
the most characteristic form of music cultivated by the Penitentes
According to Candelaria/Kingman, it has been called the backbone of congregational singing since the sixteenth century (38).
It is still sung in Hispanic Catholic churches throughout the Southwest.
Example is Al Pie de Este Santo Altar (At the foot of this holy altar)
lengthy strophic song
commemorates aspects of the Passion of Christ
unaccompanied except by the improvised interjections of the pito, said to represent the lamenting cries of the Virgin Mary

Answer to Question 2

known both as La Alondra de la Frontera (the Meadowlark of the Border) and La Cancionera de los Pobres (the Songstress of the Poor)
member of a musical family that toured the lower Rio Grande region, La Familia Mendoza
recorded with the family as early as 1928
Mal hombre (recorded in San Antonio, Texas in 1934) was her first success as a solo recording artist and performer.
accompanied herself; and also was accompanied by the leading conjunto ensembles
She became a pioneer recording artist in the entire field of Mexican American music.

[frankwu]

Great answer, keep it coming

[Liddy]

Gracias!