Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Argentina

Birth

:

January 31, 1908 in Argentina

Death

:

May, 1992 in Nîmes, France

 

Atahualpa Yupanqui was a renowned Argentine composer, singer, and guitarist who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of Latin American folk music. Born Héctor Roberto Chavero Aramburu on January 31, 1908, in Pergamino, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, he was the son of a wealthy landowner and a mother of indigenous descent. From an early age, Yupanqui showed a keen interest in music and began playing the guitar at the age of six. As a young man, Yupanqui traveled extensively throughout Argentina, studying the music and culture of the country's indigenous peoples. He also spent time in Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, where he continued to explore the rich musical traditions of the Andean region. In the 1930s, Yupanqui began performing professionally as a singer and guitarist, and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented and innovative musicians of his generation. Over the course of his long and prolific career, Yupanqui composed hundreds of songs and instrumental pieces that drew on a wide range of musical influences, including traditional Argentine folk music, Andean music, and European classical music. His music was characterized by its haunting melodies, intricate guitar work, and deeply poetic lyrics, which often dealt with themes of love, loss, and social justice. Some of Yupanqui's most famous compositions include "La Pobrecita," "El Arriero," "Los Hermanos," and "La Alabanza," all of which have become staples of the Latin American folk music canon. He also wrote several books on music and culture, including "El Canto del Viento" and "El Payador Perseguido," which are considered classics of Argentine literature. Throughout his career, Yupanqui remained deeply committed to preserving and promoting the music and culture of his native Argentina, and he was widely respected as a cultural ambassador for the country. He was also a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights, and his music often reflected his political beliefs. Yupanqui continued to perform and compose music well into his later years, and he remained an influential figure in the world of Latin American folk music until his death on May 23, 1992, in Nîmes, France. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest composers and performers in the history of Argentine music, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans around the world.

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