We have a collection of 3 arrangements for Daniel Alomía Robles - El Cóndor Pasa (Klavierstück für Anfänger)
Who's behind the notes? Discover Simon & Garfunkel: The Legendary Folk Rock Duo
"El Condor Pasa" is a beautiful song, but it's important to clarify some facts about it. "El Condor Pasa" is actually a traditional Andean folk song from Peru, not a Simon & Garfunkel original. However, Simon & Garfunkel popularized the song in the English-speaking world with their rendition. Here are some interesting facts about their version and its connection to the original:
Andean Origins: The melody and lyrics for "El Condor Pasa" were originally composed by Peruvian musician Daniel Alomía Robles in 1913. The song is based on traditional Andean folk music and incorporates elements of the indigenous Quechua culture.
Instrumentation: Simon & Garfunkel's version of "El Condor Pasa" features a distinctive arrangement with acoustic guitar, flute, and vocals. The hauntingly beautiful flute solo in the song is one of its signature elements.
English Lyrics: Paul Simon wrote English lyrics for the song, which were sung by Art Garfunkel. These lyrics added a new layer of meaning to the song, making it more accessible to Western audiences.
Grammy Nomination: Simon & Garfunkel's rendition of "El Condor Pasa" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1971.
Cultural Impact: The song's popularity helped introduce Andean music to a global audience and inspired other artists to explore world music influences in their work.
Peruvian Influence: Despite being a traditional Andean song, "El Condor Pasa" was not widely known in Peru until it gained international recognition through Simon & Garfunkel's version. In Peru, it is often associated with the pan flute and is a symbol of Peruvian culture.
Legal Controversy: The English lyrics written by Paul Simon led to a legal dispute with the descendants of Daniel Alomía Robles, as Simon did not initially credit Robles as the composer. Eventually, a settlement was reached, and Robles was posthumously recognized as the song's composer.
"El Condor Pasa" remains a timeless and evocative song that blends elements of traditional Andean music with the folk-rock sound of Simon & Garfunkel. It stands as a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and bring people together.