This popular children's song, a bambuco from the Andes, is not so easy as it first appears. Even Colombian kids who have grown up listening to complex rhythms in the country's popular music can be disoriented by the cross rhythms, such as the "3 against 2" figures that often occur between the bass and the other instruments. It's important for all players to always "think in 2" -- including the bass players, who should not be tempted to "think in 3".

The rhythmic characteristics of this bambuco are similar to those found in the 2nd movement scherzo of the Ravel string quartet, as well as the scherzo from Beethoven's Op. 18 #6. Once BATUTA students have mastered the "3 against 2" challenges in Balde, Escoba y Trapero they will be better prepared for these very same challenges in those Ravel and Beethoven examples.?

When playing this piece, the tempo should be steady throughout, and all rhythms must be precise. A happy and concentrated vibrato is appropriate.

One of the tricky things in this piece is the use of "separate bowings" vs. "hooked bowings". Every 8th note, whether it is a separate bow or part of a hooked figure, should be played with a very small amount of bow.