We have a collection of 3 arrangements for Daniel Alomía Robles - Julio de la Paz - El Cóndor Pasa
Why is El Cóndor Pasa considered the second national anthem of Peru? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Simon & Garfunkel: The Legendary Folk Rock Duo
"El Condor Pasa" is a beautiful and iconic song performed by Simon & Garfunkel, but it's important to note that the song itself is not an original composition by the duo. Here are some interesting facts related to the song and Simon & Garfunkel's rendition:
Peruvian Folk Song: "El Condor Pasa" is actually a traditional Peruvian folk song, written by Peruvian composer Daniel Alomía Robles in 1913. The song is based on Andean folk music and is named after the condor, a symbol of freedom in South America.
Paul Simon's Adaptation: Paul Simon, one half of Simon & Garfunkel, was introduced to the song by his then-wife, Peggy Harper, who played him a recording of the instrumental version by the Peruvian group Los Incas. Simon was inspired to write English lyrics for the song, which became "El Condor Pasa (If I Could)," and he added his own melody.
Legal Controversy: The duo's adaptation of "El Condor Pasa" led to legal issues, as they used the melody without securing the rights. This resulted in a lawsuit, and eventually, Paul Simon reached an agreement with the composer's estate and received permission to use the melody. The song's credits were updated to include Paul Simon as a co-writer.
Album Release: "El Condor Pasa (If I Could)" was featured on Simon & Garfunkel's 1970 album titled "Bookends." The song became one of the highlights of the album and received critical acclaim.
Legacy: The song has become one of Simon & Garfunkel's most beloved and enduring tracks. It reflects the duo's ability to blend folk and world music influences into their signature sound. The haunting melody and lyrics have resonated with fans around the world.
Cultural Significance: "El Condor Pasa" not only introduced many listeners to the beautiful sounds of Andean music but also contributed to a broader interest in world music during the 1960s and 1970s. It helped bridge cultural gaps and fostered appreciation for music from different parts of the world.
Instrumentation: In addition to their signature vocal harmonies, Simon & Garfunkel's version of "El Condor Pasa" features acoustic guitar, woodwinds, and percussion instruments, creating a rich and evocative musical arrangement.
Cover Versions: Over the years, "El Condor Pasa" has been covered by numerous artists and translated into multiple languages. It remains a popular choice for musicians looking to capture the song's timeless beauty.
While Simon & Garfunkel's rendition of "El Condor Pasa" is not an original composition, their interpretation of this traditional Peruvian folk song helped introduce it to a global audience and added a unique dimension to their musical legacy.