Music of a wonderful world

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

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Active club DJ. With over five years on the front lines of the club scene, they freely cross over from dance music to US hip-hop and Japanese rap. Blending in their own edits with assured mixing, they craft a unique groove that captivates the floor.

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.

Masterpieces and history of Folklore: Explaining traditional music of the South American Andes (41–50)

IllimaniWARA

WARA “ILLIMANI”

IllimaniWARA

It’s “Illimani,” composed by Néstor Portocarrero.

The style is a beautiful La Paz–influenced tango known as tango paceña.

The song is about Mount Illimani, the sacred peak that symbolizes La Paz, Bolivia, and it is said to be the city’s second anthem.

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Shin Tiayopayaman ta

Ayopayamanta – Sin Tí (candombe)

Shin Tiayopayaman ta

“Sin Ti” is a Uruguayan-style folklore piece that uses the rhythm of candombe, an Afro-Uruguayan dance.

Its composer is unknown, and the lyrics vary by performing group, but it’s a passionate love song that declares, “I can’t live without you anymore.”

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Reino VerdeErunesuto Kabūru

LEÑO VERDE ERNESTO CAVOUR (Leño Verde Ernesto Cavour)

Reino VerdeErunesuto Kabūru

This is “Leño Verde,” a representative work by charango player Ernesto Cavour from La Paz, Bolivia.

The Japanese title means “Green Great Tree,” and the style is carnaval—that is, the dance style of the carnival from the Santa Cruz region in eastern Bolivia.

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In conclusion

Folklore, born from the Andes mountains, is a traditional South American music with a charm distinct from samba and tango.

The delicate tones of the charango and quena weave beautiful melodies, like the pure breeze of the highlands.

Ranging from sorrowful to powerful, these songs continue to move the hearts of many.

I hope this article allows you to experience the deep emotion and rich musicality that folklore embodies.