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

Carnival in the ValleyZa Abarosu Burazāzu

Carnavalito Quebradeño / Carnival of the Valley

This is “Carnaval en la Quebrada” by the five brothers who made their name in Santiago del Estero, The Ábalos Brothers.

The piece is in a musical form known as “huayño” in Bolivia and “huaino” in Peru, a form that lies at the heart of popular music in the Andean region.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.