Various - "Soundtrip: The Andes"

Description

The mighty Andes mountain range stretches from north to south along the entire length of the South American continent. In its middle, in Peru, Bolivia and Northern Chile, it encloses the central highlands, formerly home of the ancient Inca empire. Spanish conquest stripped various Andes ethnic groups of their ethnic, linguistic and cultural independence, but recently a process of rediscovery of cultural heritage, including music, and a strengthening of cultural identity has taken root. The Andes countries share many similarities of rhythm, harmony and especially instrumentation. Simple melodies reflect the loneliness of cold highlands, the hostile environment of rough, stormy mountain tops and the mystic atmosphere of ancient holy sites. The typical instrument of the rural Andes is the pan pipe in all its variations – especially the Siku and Zampoña – and small bamboo- and wooden flutes like the Quena. Spanish conquistadors left their mark on the music of the Andes - with upbeat rhythms and plucked instruments like the Charango, which is similar to a Mandolin and was originally made of the shell of armadillos. That is how the songs of the Andes become lively and danceable tracks which compete on equal terms with the warmth and verve of tropical Latin American music.