When asked about the most famous Peruvian song, the answer is clear: “El Cóndor Pasa” (The Condor Passes). This iconic Andean-Peruvian melody, composed by Daniel Alomía Robles over a century ago, has resonated worldwide, especially after Simon & Garfunkel’s 1970 rendition with English lyrics.
The song, despite originally having no lyrics, speaks volumes through its deep, sublime chords, stirring emotions in listeners across the globe. In 2020, the BBC named it as one of the 50 songs no one could forget.
El Cóndor Pasa has been performed by renowned artists like Yma Súmac, securing its place in the hearts and memories of millions worldwide. This year marks the 111 anniversary since this song, considered by Peruvians as “the Second National Anthem,” was released. Stay with us to find out more about this precious song and its importance in Peruvian Culture!
Historical Background
“El condor pasa” was created in 1913, a time when Peru was working hard to rebuild after the challenging “War of the Pacific.” This conflict, which Peru fought alongside Bolivia against Chile starting in 1879, had a significant impact on the Andean country.
The war caused great damage, even reaching Lima, the capital city. During this period, many indigenous groups also sought to express their concerns, leading to uprisings. Despite these challenges, Peru’s spirit and resilience shone through as the country began to move forward.
After the war, Peru faced an important challenge: how to effectively govern the Andean indigenous population. This situation prompted a thoughtful discussion among people at that time. They recognized that it was essential to see indigenous peoples as vital members of Peruvian society, rather than as separate groups.
This dialogue gave rise to a movement called “Indigenismo,” a movement aimed to support the rights of indigenous people and celebrate their rich culture. A significant moment in this journey was the presentation of “El Cóndor Pasa,” which greatly influenced these ideas and helped bring them to life.
Origin
“El Cóndor Pasa” is a mix of Andean rhythms and the delightful “Zarzuela”, which is a type of light opera from Spain. The first time the song was heard was on December 19, 1913, at the Mazzi Theater in Lima. The Zarzuela played a key role in bringing new cultural trends to Latin America, connecting the Old and New Worlds.
“El Cóndor Pasa,” was created by Julio de la Paz and Daniel Alomía Robles. However, its run was cut short in 1914 by Colonel Óscar Benavides’ military coup, shortly after its move to the city theater. Despite this, the play’s appeal made it a hit, achieving 3,000 performances in Peru within five years.
This success marked a significant milestone in our cultural heritage. What was it about the zarzuela “El Cóndor Pasa” that won the hearts of the Peruvian public? It’s fascinating to note that the story is both relevant and political.
The composers drew inspiration from a real mining accident that happened in 1911, along with the social unrest that followed. It highlights the challenges faced by the indigenous Andean people in their interactions with American mine owners. The play took place in Cerro de Pasco, a beautiful region in the central Andes of Peru.
By the early 20th century, the country experienced new economic influences from Britain and the United States. As people recognized the impacts of imperialism, they began to feel concerned, which led to growing sentiments against American and British involvement.
At the same time, the “Indigenismo” wanted to celebrate and include the indigenous population and their rich Inca heritage. This mix of ideas likely contributed to the play’s great success.
The Melody
The script for “El Cóndor Pasa” was created by the talented Julio de la Paz, who was originally named Julio Baudoin. He grew up in Lima but moved to Buenos Aires when he was young. There, he worked as a journalist and wrote essays to support indigenous rights, using the pen name Julio de la Paz.
On the other hand, our composer, Daniel Alomía Robles, is someone many of us may recognize. He was born in 1871 in Huánuco, a beautiful region near the Amazon and the eastern Andes. At just 12 years old, he moved to Lima to study medicine, however, his true passion was music.
While researching medicinal plants in the Amazon and Andes, he also took the time to collect and appreciate indigenous music. Alomía Robles built on emerging research in Andean music, which revealed the pentatonic scale’s significance in indigenous music.
He drew on this foundation and his own collected works to compose “El Cóndor Pasa,” a massive hit in 1913. Alomía Robles later relocated to New York before returning to Peru, where he died in 1942 at 71. Beyond “El Cóndor Pasa,” his diverse compositions included operas, symphonic poems, and piano pieces.
Versions
At the beginning of this blog, we explored how “El Cóndor Pasa” found new life when Simon & Garfunkel covered it in 1970 adding their own English lyrics. They were inspired by a beautiful version by a French band, Los Incas.
Notable artists such as Yma Sumac, Peruvian or the Spanish tenor Placido Domingo also covered the song. “El Condor Pasa” has been translated into approximately 80 languages and performed by some of the world’s finest musicians and orchestras.
It’s fascinating to see how this song, which had an anti-American message, reached a wider audience through the creativity of American artists. While the original story may not be as well-known today, the song continues to resonate with many people around the world.
Legacy
Robles spent twenty years collecting Andean melodies, gathering about 1,000 pieces, including the famous Himno al Sol. As an active member of a pro-Indigenous movement, he spoke Quechua, which helped him bond with local communities and learn about their struggles.
This groundwork eventually led to a team-up with Baudouin, who shared his vision for social justice. Together, they wove a story about the clash between Indigenous workers and the oppressive owners of a mine in Cerro de Pasco. The workers’ uprising, symbolized by the soaring condor, was a fight for freedom and self-governance.
With all said, We can affirm that “El Condor Pasa” is more than just a song: It is a musical and cultural heritage that has spread beyond Peru’s boundaries, becoming a universal symbol of independence, resistance, and optimism.
Its complex history of cultural appropriation serves as a reminder of the significance of upholding culture and fighting for social justice. El Cóndor Pasa is still one of the most popular songs in the world. Its stirring tune and meaningful message continue to inspire millions of people worldwide. That’s why it means so much to us in Peru.
If you want to learn more about Peruvian culture, keep reading our blog! At Viagens Machu Picchu, we are excited to share our rich cultural heritage with you. As a reputable travel agency, we proudly serve over 100,000 satisfied clients who can attest to our quality.
Contact us today to start planning your trip to the land of El Cóndor Pasa, Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, and more. Peru is waiting for you!
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