Masterpieces and history of folklore: An introduction to traditional music of the South American Andes
Traditional music of the South American Andes, known as “folklore.” The delicate tones of the quena and charango—woven by virtuosos such as Argentina’s Ariel Ramírez and Bolivia’s Ernesto Cavour—carry the region’s timeless history and rich culture into the present.
From the wistful “El Cóndor Pasa” to the passionate “Sin Ti,” masterpieces born of the Andean land continue to move hearts around the world.
We present these gems of music, alive with the heart and soul of South America.
Masterpieces and history of folklore: An introduction to traditional music of the South American Andes (1–10)
Maidens of the SunRosu Chyakosu
This is the folklore piece Maidens of the Sun, composed by Jorge Bravo de Rueda.
The Inca Empire flourished mainly in Peru and Bolivia in South America.
The title refers to priestesses who served in the temples of the Inca Empire.
Although the piece depicts the maidens of the sun attending a ritual, the lyrics tell of an unrequited love.
HumahuacañoEdamundo Sarudibāru
This is “Humahuaqueño,” a piece of Andean folklore said to have been composed or transcribed by Edmundo Saldívar from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In Japanese it’s titled “Hanamatsuri” (Flower Festival), but that title is only used in places like Japan and France, so it’s better to remember the original title.
On Beni’s beachArehando ro Kamara
This is a piece themed around a romance on the banks of the Mamoré River in Bolivia, titled “On the Shores of Beni.” Its style is called a “vals,” which is a waltz.
The rendition played on the charango by Alejandro Camara, in particular, is beloved by many.
Coffee RumbaŪgo Buranko
This is Coffee Rumba, which became a major hit performed by harpist Hugo Blanco.
The original title is Moliendo Café, meaning “Grinding Coffee.” Although the Japanese title says “Rumba,” the actual rhythm is not rumba but Orquidea.
It’s a popular song in Japan and has been covered by many singers.
Mi BoliviaSakanbaya
The Bolivian group Sakambaya delivers a soul-stirring, majestic performance that conveys the very essence of traditional Andean music.
Featured on their 2004 album Migrante, this piece employs the tinku rhythm to evoke emotions that are both powerful and delicate.
Centered around the group’s leading figure, Jorge Aquino, the harmonies woven by distinguished members including Edwin Ceballos evoke the breath of the majestic Andes themselves.
The signature sounds of the kena and charango—virtually synonymous with the group—brilliantly express Bolivian culture and spirit, making this a perfect track for anyone wishing to experience the heart of Andean music.
Blanca RosaFerunando Himenes
This is “Blanca Rosa,” a classic of Andean folklore imbued with melancholy.
The plaintive tone of the kena stands out over Latin American rhythms.
Many musicians perform it, but I especially recommend listening to the rendition by Fernando Jiménez, a Bolivian master of the zampoña.
while cryingRosu Karukasu
This is “While Crying,” written and composed by Ulises Hermosa, a member of the Bolivian folk group Los Kjarkas.
The original Spanish lyrics are about heartbreak, but they were plagiarized by Kaoma, a France-based group formed mainly by Brazilians, and spread worldwide as “Lambada.”