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

El Condor Pasa (The Condor Flies Away)Saimon & Gāfankuru

El Condor Pasa / Simon & Garfunkel

It’s “El Cóndor Pasa,” a representative piece of Andean folklore.

It was composed in 1913 by Daniel Alomía Robles, a Peruvian composer and ethnomusicologist.

The work is in three parts—Part I: Yaraví, Part II: Fox Incaico, and Part III: Huaino—but only the first part, with its plaintive melody, is widely known.

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.

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.

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.

Thank you, life.Bioretta Para

Violeta Parra, ‘Gracias a la vida / Thanks to Life’ (transl. Takashi Guillermo Iwasaki)

This is Gracias a la vida (Thanks to Life), written and composed by the Chilean folklorist Violeta Parra.

Parra sought social change through song and led movements toward that end.

The piece flows in the 6/8 rhythm of the sirilla lento, a dance rhythm from Chiloé Island in Chile.

Offering to GodErunesuto Kabūru

ERNESTO CAVOUR; OFRENDA AL CULTO (Offering to God)

This is a gem of a piece imbued with the spirit of Bolivian musician Ernesto Cavour, who brought a fresh breeze to traditional Andean music.

The charango’s delicate tones weave a mysterious melody that beautifully conveys the grandeur of the Andes and the prayerful heart of its Indigenous peoples.

Featured on the album “The Great Green Tree,” released in June 1992, the track is highly acclaimed as a masterpiece that adds an innovative approach to traditional folklore music.

It’s a meditative piece best enjoyed alone on a quiet night, recommended for those seeking solace away from the bustle of everyday life.

Renowned as a charango virtuoso, his exceptional technique and expressive power resonate with the profound emotion rising from the Andean land.

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.