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Music of Paraguay

The folkloric traditional music of Paraguay is the Paraguayan polka and the Guarania. The Paraguayan polka comes from polka of Czech origin; that was danced for the first time in Asunción, on

Instruments#

The Spanish guitar (not from Paraguay) and European harp are among the most popular instruments, while dances include the lively polka and distinctive bottle dance, which involves the performer twirling a bottle around her head. Composer and guitarist Agustín Barrios is perhaps the country’s best known export.

Paraguayan harp#

The Paraguayan harp deserves special mention as a popular instrument with a national style associated with it. The harp in South America dates back to at least 1556–1557, possibly as early as the beginning of the 16th century. It was introduced to Paraguay by Jesuit priests who came to evangelise (the native population of indigenous Guaranis) and founded many missions, called “reducciones” . It was frequently used in church music in place of the organ or harpsichord. The Paraguayan harp is the national instrument of Paraguay, its shape and size were consolidated in the early 20th century by interpreter and composer Felix Perez Cardozo, who composed some of the most memorable pieces for the Paraguayan harp. It stands about 1.5 metres (5 ft) high and is very light and portable. The sound box is made of cedro (a type of mahogany) and pine. However, more recently, harps have begun to be constructed with the addition of levers to overcome this limitation, and many players are now using levered harps.

Rock#

Rock is a popular genre in the Paraguayan music scene. Former President Alfredo Stroessner established a dictatorship and oppressed freedom of expression during his term between 1954 and 1989. But rock band Aftermad’s and Los Blue Caps were formed during this time from late 1960s to 1970s. The end of the dictatorship of Stroessner in 1989, a new rock scene started. New rock bands such as Flou (alt rock), Revolver (alt rock), Ripe Banana Skins (punk), Area 69, Paiko, The Force (slash metal) were formed. 21st century Paraguayan rock scene is supported by rock festivals such as “Pilsen Rock” and “Quilmes Rock”.

Jazz#

There is a small but vibrant jazz community in Paraguay. Jazz Day festival was opened in Paraguay. Key players and group include: CCPA Jazz Quintet, Palito Miranda (alto sax), Remigio Pereira (trombone), Victor “Toti” Morel (drums), Oswal Gonzalez (drums), Riolo Alvarenga (drums), Jorge “Lobito” Martinez (piano), Carlos Schvartzman (guitar), Carlos Centurión (piano), Gustavo Viera (guitar), Eduardo “Tato” Zilli (bass), Nene Salerno (bass), Ariel Burgos (bass), Victor Morel Jr. (drums), German Lema (organ), Jose Villamayor (guitar), Bruno Muñoz (tenor and alto saxophone) and others.

Classical music#

The main exponents are Agustín Barrios Mangoré, José Asunción Flores, Berta Rojas and Juan Carlos Moreno. Silva studied abroad and reproduced, in the guarani vocal form, the indigenous music, based on the European technique. Moreno composed works inspired on popular themes in a romantic classical path.

References#

  • Paraguay Global Website
  • Play Paraguayan Music
  • Music Paraguayan
  • MusicaParaguaya.net