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 (21–30)
EncountersGurūpo Wara
This is “Encuentros,” which became famous after being performed by Grupo Wara in 1983.
It was composed by Jorge Komori, a Japanese-Peruvian leader and guitarist of the small ensemble band Conraya, together with Oscar Córdoba.
The title means “encounters.”
Flowers by the watersideSabia Andīna
The piece every quena player admires, “Mizube no Hana” (Waterside Flower), is originally titled “Flor de Caña.” Caña refers to a large reed-like plant that grows thickly on the Andean plateau, shaped somewhat like sugarcane.
The style is carnaval, a fast and intense piece in 6/8 time.
Two Little DovesRosu Inkasu
“Two Little Doves” by Los Incas, known for music from the Andes region.
It’s Argentine highland folklore that begins with the sound of a slow-tempo guitar.
Then, with spirited calls, it shifts to a medium tempo and eventually to a more lively pace, becoming a piece that makes you feel the clear air of the Andes.
Romance of the Wind and the QuenaHose Ramirezu Toresu
This is Romance of the Wind and Quena, composed by Bolivian guitarist José Ramírez Torres.
It is especially popular among quena enthusiasts and cherished as a folkloric standard.
The piece begins with a mood that seems to invite you into the landscapes of Bolivia you’ve never seen, then progresses as it shifts forms into taquirari and huayño.
unglazed pottery jarGuroria Haro
This is the folk song Unglazed Clay Jar, created when three poets and one painter improvised a poem that was later set to music by Gonzalo Benítez and Luis Alberto Valencia, who were active mainly in Quito, the capital of Ecuador.
The song pleads to be laid to rest, like one’s ancestors, inside a dark, cool jar after death.
San BenitoGuran Kokiibakoa
This is “San Benito,” which became famous after being transcribed by members of the Bolivian folklore group Los Jairas.
The title is also known as “The Festival of San Benito,” and the song celebrates the Feast of Saint Benedict on April 4.
The style is Tundiqui, which originated in the Yungas region of eastern Bolivia.
Misioneradesuperutaru
It’s Missionera, composed by Argentine pianist Fernando Bustamante.
The title refers to a girl from Misiones Province, one of Argentina’s provinces—essentially “the daughter of Misiones.” It’s written in the 6/8 gallopa style and is often performed on the harp.