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.
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Masterpieces and History of Folklore: An Introduction to Traditional Music of the South American Andes (11–20)
Amorosa PalomitaRosu Chorosu Andīnosu
A melody steeped in deep emotion, breathing with Andean tradition, unfolds gracefully on the resonant tones of Bolivia’s folk instruments, the quena and the zampoña.
The beautiful instrumental pieces by Los Choros Andinos seem to reflect the majestic scenery woven by distant mountains.
Among their performances—spread across five albums released between 1978 and 1981—the quena of Argentine virtuoso Facio Santillán is especially moving.
Featured on the album “Ecos del Ande,” this piece stands out for its bittersweet melodic lines rooted in the nature of the Andes and the lives of its people.
Cherished by many music fans, it remains a song to savor during tranquil evenings or whenever you wish to calm the heart.
AmigoGurūpo Femenīno Boribia
A passionate melody resounding from the soil of the Andes.
Grupo Femenino Bolivia is an all-female folklore group formed in La Paz in 1983.
Riding the rhythm of the huayño, this work sings of the preciousness of friendship and the bonds between people, beautifully harmonizing the delicate tones of traditional instruments such as the quena and charango with rich female harmonies.
Released in 1997 and later included on the album “20 Años 1983 – 2003 Colección De Oro,” it has become a gem that conveys the very essence of Andean music to this day.
The lyrics celebrating warm friendship and the traditional sound together weave a beautiful world that will gently embrace the hearts of those seeking comfort.
Churu ChurusErunesuto Kabūru
A gem that conveys the very essence of traditional Andean music is performed by Bolivia’s celebrated charango virtuoso, Ernesto Cavour.
Featured on the album “Villancicos Con Ernesto Cavour,” this piece blends a lively rhythm with a wistful melody in perfect balance, reflecting the lives and culture of the people of the Andean highlands.
Having first visited Japan in 1980, Cavour greatly influenced the country’s folklore scene.
Captivated by the charango from childhood, he rose to fame in his teens as Bolivia’s finest player.
This work, with its warm tone that gently embraces the spirit of Andean people living in harmony with nature, is a perfect recommendation for those seeking a calm, peaceful moment.
La MailleRosu Karuchakisu
A beautiful melody infused with the living traditions of the South American Andes sinks deep into the heart.
Formed in France in 1960, Los Calchakis draw on Andean folk instruments to weave soulful music that feels like a gift from a distant land.
In this piece from the album “La Flûte Indienne, Vol.
4,” the light flute melody and the warm guitar accompaniment create an exquisite harmony, vividly portraying the rich landscapes and cultures of South America.
Since its release in 1974, it has been widely used in films and documentaries, bringing the allure of Andean music to audiences around the world.
It’s a track perfect for a quiet evening or moments when you want to calm your mind.
Mountain flowersNaueru Hofure
Nahuel Hofre from Argentina captivates with lyrical melodies steeped in Andean tradition.
Featured on his 2016 album “Canciones En Cuyo Vuelo,” this piece beautifully blends elegant acoustic guitar lines with a warm, expressive vocal.
Its delicate expressiveness gently weaves together the grandeur of the mountains and the feelings of the people, resonating deeply with listeners.
While rooted in Argentina’s traditional folklore, it effectively incorporates contemporary elements, making for a striking track.
The collaborative version with guitarist Luis Salvador is also compelling, perfect as background music for a calm evening or a heartfelt conversation with someone special.
Savor this richly emotive soundscape nurtured by the lands of the Andes.
Blue starPītok o Kyarabajaru
This is Blue Star, composed by Peteco Carabajal and sung by Peteco Carabajal, a musician and custodian of Argentine music.
It is said to portray the feelings of a man who, after separating from his wife, longs for his young daughter from whom he has been parted.
Masterpieces and History of Folklore: An Introduction to Traditional Music of the South American Andes (21–30)
The Road to San FranciscoDanieru Fereira
The theme song of the film “For a Few Dollars More” is known in South America under the title “Road to San Francisco.” Its style, called “trote” (from the trotting sound of a horse, trot), is a relatively new form that refers to music with an intense, fast-paced, exhilarating feel.