el Charango - Musica de Bolivia

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This journal feature is about the music of Bolivia in South America. It is the second entry in a series of planned journals centering around this incredible land of vast contrasts, varied people, and breathtaking natural wonders. Specificly, I will share the unique music of the Andean People native to this country. You will see and hear twenty videos showcasing some of Bolivia's finest performers. You will experience traditional songs and current favourites. Enjoy them all.

A closer look at the Charango


el Charango! There is nothing that sounds as sweet to my ears. And when voices swell in harmony as the Charanguitas play, my heart throbs with the beauty of it. When I see the dances and costumes of the local people, I am amazed and thrilled. Though small in size, the Charango is mighty in tone!

el Charango by slowdog294


The Charango is a member of the Lute family. The first examples of it appeared in the early 1800's. Resembling a very small guitar, the Charango has ten strings of nylon arranged in five double courses. Starting from the pair at the top nearest the player, they are commonly tuned G C E A E, though other tunings exist. The small E string in the middle course is tuned one octave above the E on the bottom.  For reference, the A strings are tuned to 440Hz. There are usually 18 metal frets, with a nut and bridge made of bone.

There are many stories of how the Charango came to be made, with its distinctive diminutive sound box traditionally fashioned from the shell of an armadillo. One story says that the native musicians liked the sound made by the Vihuela (an ancestor of the Classical Guitar which is still popular in Mexico today), but lacked the technology to shape the wood in that manner.

Another story says that the Spaniards prohibited natives from practicing their ancestral music, and that the Charango was a (successful) attempt to make a lute that could be easily hidden under a garment. It is believed the Charango originated in the 18th century Andes somewhere in modern-day Potosí, Bolivia, probably from Amerindian contact with Spanish settlers.

Today, one can still purchase a traditional Charango made from an armadillo shell, but most modern instruments are made of wood, which is more durable and consistantly easier to work. A professional model costs about 300 to 600 US dollars. However, one can spend up to two thousand for a really fancy one of a totally unique design. It is a good idea to get a quality protective hard shell case for carrying the Charango during transport and storage between gigs, no matter how much you paid for yours.

Bolivian Music on YouTube

COA: Bolivia by ~uppps


My recent discovery of the Google Translator has allowed me to have direct contact with folks from all over the planet. I have been able to have intimate conversations with many folks from Bolivia, both here on dA and over at YouTube. Now, I can tell the local masters how much I like their music using the native tongue. It also allows me to understand their replies.

YouTube is a boone for those who thirst for music from other cultures. It was here that I discovered the beautiful songs of the Andean People. It was here that I first heard the sound of the Charango. And it has been an excellent springboard which has sent me off in search of more knowledge about this ancient land of Bolivia, where the Charango was invented, in the legendary grand old city of Potosí.

I now take this opportunity to share with you some gems I have collected in my search for Andean music on YouTube. There are six folders from Bolivia in my collection so far. I have also begun to collect favourites from several other South American Countries as well, each one getting a folder. I really enjoy the music of Argentina, Ecuador, Peru and Chile. However, the focus of the current study is on Bolivian music. There will be many more additions, so stay tuned for updates to this feature.

A note to all who are reading this: dA has page redirection. If you are running a browser that supports tabs, right click one of the small thumbnails below and choose Open Link in New Tab. A new page will open in a new tab with a button that allows you to go to the chosen video as you leave dA from that page. After you check out a video, simply close the new tab and open another as before. That way, you can keep this journal in the original tab as you forage through the videos. Enjoy!

Charanguistas

Charango by ~fred62s


First up on the list are my favourite Charanguistas. These folks make a Charango call home to God in a very good way. Those who know this tiny guitar will love the clips. Those who have never heard the Charango before should prepare to be totally thrilled at the sheer beauty of the sound it makes.

El charango, declarado como: Patrimonio Cultural de Bolivia, en el que se indica que este instrumento es de origen nacional y tiene su cuna en Potosí.Vals venezolano, recopilación de H. Quattromano y Z. Alcayaga. La interpretación y el arreglo pertenecen al charanguista chileno Héctor Soto.De la inspirazion de Gilberto Rojas un tema del recuerdo. Del album (Cerca de ti) Las palmeras aunque Prenda querida.Alfredo Coca interpreta Cunumicita Taquirari de Gilberto Rojas E.paras deleitar los oidos esta espectacular interpretacion a escucharla y


Male Groups

carnaval oruro 2010-5 by ~Tr4pito


Next up are some wonderful male vocal groups who hold to traditional musical style. These groups are among Bolivia's finest recording artists. They tour all over the world. Keep an eye out for concert listings in your area. If you see them listed, be sure to attend thier shows.

Kjarkas - Bolivia conciertoTupay - Amor Prohibido Musica Bolivianaes un grupo de folklore de latino americano musica andina de perú bolivia ecuadorGrupo Andino - Somos De La CentralSemilla - Mosquita muerta


Female Groups

carnaval de oruro-9 by ~Tr4pito


And now, I present some of the beautiful women who dance and sing in the traditional fashion of Bolivia. When I look at these ladies and listen to their songs, my heart melts with pure joy. To me, they are the most beautiful women on Earth. Check them out and you will see and hear why my feelings for them are so strong.

Seleccion de Kullawadas en autoria de Ernesto Ruiz y Carlos Palenque. Cochabamba Bolivia.a zapatear XDANTONIETA ANTESANA LA REYNA DEL CHARANGOEsta es una hermosa tonada de tinku tradicional de este grupo sobresaliente Norte Potosino Boliviano, que pertenece a su nuevo Album Soledad.Una linda nueva cancion de Enriqueta Ulloa
Viva Bolivia - Bailes Bolivianos: Caporales, Morenada, Diablada, Tinku, Tobas.....
Musica Bolivia y No Andina


Mixed Ensembles

waren tortugoso by ~UfoTheBassMan


Finally, I present some material from mixed bands who are of a more modern flavour, employing electric instruments. Many are young. All are vibrant and highly talented musicians. Open your mind and experience music South American style as only the Bolivians can make. Note that the neighboring countries of Ecuador, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, share the musical styles of Bolivia because all are home to the Andean people.

Grupo Néctar - ojitos hechiceros, con Cariño!MUSICA BOLIVIANA ( CELOSAY ) QUE TEMACANTO SUR - EL CHOLERO (Tonada Tinku)Si te gusta vota, Enlace es una agrupacion cumbiera de la localidad de Sacaba, que se encuentra en Cochabamba, Bolivia, con un tema ya conocido, disfrutenloGRUPO LASSER: Señor padrino - Rosita Producciones

Charango Dealers and Resources


Below are some interesting websites dedicated to this beautiful instrument so fond to the Andean Culture of South America. Some of these pages will tell you all about the Charango and its history. Others will take you to audio and video files from the masters that are very enjoyable. Please take some time to visit them all.

:bulletred: ~ Charango.org
:bulletred: ~ Charango Store
:bulletred: ~ Charango Mall
:bulletred: ~ Aquila Charango Strings
:bulletred: ~ Artesanía Bolivia
:bulletred: ~ WorldFrets.com
:bulletred: ~ Charango Nouveau
:bulletred: ~ slowdog on YouTube

The Brothers Quispe Torrez
Bolivian Charango Luthiers

A Charango is being built at the Quispe Torrez factory.


The brothers Carlos and Pedro Quispe Torrez, legendary Charango luthiers, were born in a community known as Walata Grande in Omasuyos, Departamento de La Paz, Bolivia. This town is located in the Altiplano, 4,400 meters above sea level on the shores of majestic Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable body of water on Earth.

The two brothers grew up working with their father and grandfather in the manufacture of musical instruments for the Aymara culture. They learned how to make the traditional Andean musical instruments that would enrich the rest of their lives.

When Carlos and Pedro were 18 and 16 years respectively, they entered the workshop of famed Bolivian luthier Juan Acha for 9 years, where they perfected skills already learned in their home community.

After a career with Juan Acha of more than 20 years, in 2002, the brothers decided to open what is now known as the Musical Instrument Factory Quispe Torrez in the city of El Alto near La Paz, so that they could be credited with Andean musical instruments made under their own family name. Today, the Quispe Torrez brand is recognized worldwide for Andean musical instruments of very high quality. They are played by many of Bolivia's top entertainers.

Being expert luthiers has allowed the brothers Quispe Torrez the opportunity to continuously develop new techniques for working, with the aim of ensuring that the instruments they build meet the highest demands of professional musicians worldwide. A selection of first class materials, combined with excellent construction techniques and a flawless finish, allow the Quispe Torrez Charangos to have perfect intonation, great sound and an unforgettable playing and listening experience for enthusiasts of these fantastic musical instruments.



This is the Professional Charango made by the recognized luthier Pedro Quispe Torrez. It is constructed from Jarca wood. Jarca is a beautiful high density intense brown colored wood that assures the Professional Charango´s durability and beautiful finish. The soundhole and head present incrusted nacre. The tone is loud and well balanced. The style is second to none.  Having seen and heard this model in action, I am hoping to aquire one for use in my planned original music recording sessions.

Though these beautiful Charangos are among the best in the world, they are affordably priced and easy to obtain. Since they are all very carefully and lovingly hand made, one at a time, the brothers Carlos and Pedro Quispe Torrez will be honored to build a Charango just for you. It takes at least a week to create one. Special custom models can take longer to build. No two Charangos are exactly the same, however, they are all consistant in excellence.

It usually takes no more than a week to ship a Charango to your door if you order one from a retailer. One of the best places to order Charangos in stock and online is Bolivia Mall's Charango Mall. You can choose from a wide selection from many Bolivian luthiers, available in price ranges and models for the beginning student to the advanced professional artist.

Featured Products at Bolivia Mall



If you want more Bolivian music, concider buying some of the records on CD and DVD that are available at the Bolivia Mall, the world's largest online retailer of merchandise from Bolivia. Here, you can purchase music, movies, Charangos and other Andean instruments made by skilled Bolivian craftsmen, including those by the Brothers Quispe Torrez. Below is a small sampling of the fine music available for purchase. Click on a thumbnail to learn more about or to buy an item of interest.

Music on DVD and VCD

10 Kjarkas DVDs at a super low price.SAVIA ANDINA - VCD
VCD Jach'a Mallku - 2 CD'sNORTE POTOSI - VCD

Music on CD

ALFREDO COCA - Charango TradicionalGrupo Femenino Bolivia - Canto y Sentimiento de un pueblo
CARNAVALEANDO CON PROYECCIONEnriqueta Ulloa


Bolivia Mall has something for everyone. It is more than great music. There are also delicious traditional foods, drinks, and beautiful clothing native to this great nation, along with many informative books and other items for your home or to give as gifts. You can safely and easily order your chosen goods with confidence online. Customer service is second to none, with quick and economical shipping to most parts of the world.

Closing Message

Bolivia Grunge Flag by ~think0


I hope you have enjoyed this small sampling of Andean music from Bolivia, to be found in my favourites collection on YouTube. If you want more, you can do your own search by typing "Bolivia" into YouTube's search engine at the top of any YouTube page. Also, feel free to browse the nine Bolivia folders in my favourites to get you started on a grand musical adventure. Prepare to spend a LOT of time, as I do each evening, as well as throughout the day.

Blessings and good karma to all. Viva Bolivia!




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© 2011 - 2024 slowdog294
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OutOfFlames's avatar
When i listen to Gustavo Santoalla, i fell in love with the Charango