Masterpieces and history of folklore: An introduction to traditional music of the South American Andes

Ben SeremosInti Irumani

Inti Illimani – Venceremos

This is “Venceremos,” made famous by the Chilean folkloric group Inti-Illimani.

It was a song that supported the people up until the left-wing coalition that existed from the 1960s to the 1970s, the Popular Unity of Chile, achieved victory.

There are even stories that some continued singing this song up to the very moment they were massacred.

blue-and-white flycatcherPitagua

bellbird, chogui bird

Chogüí Bird is a representative Paraguayan song said to have been composed by a pianist from Corrientes Province, Argentina.

It is inspired by the legend of a Guaraní boy who loved oranges, a tale from the La Plata region stretching from the Paraná River to the Paraguay River, as well as from Brazil, where the Guaraní people lived.

Festival of the AndesUnknown

La Mariposa Andes Festival

In Japan, this Bolivian folk song appears in textbooks under the title “Festival of the Andes.” It is often performed in music classes on instruments like the recorder and the melodica.

The original piece is called “La Mariposa” (meaning “butterfly”), and the lyrics vary slightly by region.

Misa CriollaArieru Ramiresu

Misa Criolla – Gloria (Ariel Ramírez)

This is the Misa Criolla, composed by Ariel Ramírez, a composer born in Santa Fe, Argentina.

It is a Mass that means “the earth,” based on South American rhythms: chacarera, carnavalito, and estilo pampeano.

Elegy of the Vanishing IndiosKurisutina & Ūgo

Elegy of the Vanishing Indios: “Cristina & Hugo”

This is Elegy of the Vanishing Indians by the Argentine folk duo Cristina & Hugo.

It sings of the sorrow of Indigenous people who are being subjugated in the name of civilization.

If you listen as though you were one of the Indigenous people in the Argentine mountains, you may feel as if you’re being crushed.

a large green treeRusu deru Ande

Regno Verde (The Green Great Tree)

Luz del Ande is a Bolivian folklore group that delivers captivating performances blending the traditional sounds of the Andes with innovative arrangements.

Reorganized in the 1980s under the leadership of Japanese musician Takatsune Kinoshita, they have established a unique musical vision.

This piece, included on the album “THE WORLD ROOTS MUSIC LIBRARY 112,” is a superb performance of a renowned composition by Ernesto Cavour.

The vibrant carnival rhythms carried by the charango and quena, along with the rich timbres of traditional Andean instruments, are deeply moving.

Showcasing the full breadth of their musicianship—also proven on their 1992 album “Peskha patac mara”—this track is highly recommended for anyone interested in South American culture and music.

El Humo HuaqeñoRosu Atauruparasu

El Huma Huaqueno

The performances of Los Atahualpas, who bring the traditional music of the Andes to the world, gently enfold the listener’s heart.

Debuting in January 2011 with the album “Sounds Around the World: Sound of the Andes,” the group’s melodies seem to reflect the grandeur of Andean nature and the lives of its people.

This work, inspired by Argentina’s northwestern Humahuaca Valley, features the sounds of traditional instruments like the kena and charango resonating in crystal-clear air.

Buoyant, lively rhythms carry powerful percussion that beats like the pulse of the earth and sets the heart dancing.

A gem that conveys Andean tradition to the present day, this track has frequently been used in documentaries showcasing South American culture and landscapes, continuing to move audiences far and wide.

My homeland, BoliviaUnknown

Viva mi patria Bolivia – Ballet somos Bolivia

This is a cueca, a dance in 6/8 time, called “My Homeland Bolivia.” It’s so beloved that it’s often referred to as the second national anthem, and it’s frequently sung whenever Bolivians gather.

You can also hear massive sing-alongs at international soccer matches, so check it out if you get the chance.

Como AcechoGurūpo Andīno

Composed by Zomro Flores, “Como Acecho” is Grupo Andino’s breakthrough work and an immortal masterpiece.

It is performed in the Saya–Caporal style.

“Saya” is a mulatto-derived rhythm centered in the Yungas region of eastern Bolivia, developed from the rhythms of Africans brought there as forced laborers.

“Caporal” means the leader of the slaves, and refers to a performance and dance that developed from the Saya.

Viva TrinidadSabia Andīna

Viva Trinidad

This is a heartwarming piece by Sabia Andina, a folkloric group that Bolivia proudly claims as its own.

Since their formation in 1975, they have faithfully preserved the traditional music of the Andes, and here they elegantly portray the charm of the Beni region.

Grounded in traditional rhythms such as Toba and Takipayanak, the melodies woven by the delicate tones of the quena and charango vividly reflect the richness of nature and the lives of its people.

Featured on the album “Viva Bolivia,” this work is highly regarded as one of the group’s signature pieces.

Eddy Navia’s masterful charango performance and Heraldo Arias’s clear, transparent vocals make this a gem that beautifully expresses the heart and soul of South America.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone interested in Andean traditional music or in exploring other cultures.