El Cóndor Pasa... ("The Condor Passes") is a Peruvian zarzuela, or musical play, in 2 acts composed in 1913 by Daniel Alomía Robles and the libretto by Julio Baudouin under the pseudonym Julio de La Paz'. It was published in 1933. In 2004 the piece was declared Patrimonio cultural de la Nación, an official part of Peru's cultural heritage. [1] Its famous piece is the final tune in the second act, also known as "El Cóndor Pasa".
The story is set in a mine in Cerro de Pasco, and deals with a tragic conflict between Indians and "Sajones" (Saxons), their European bosses. The exploitative Mr. King, owner of the mine, is killed by Higinio, but is soon replaced by another owner, Mr. Cup, and the fight continues. The condor of the title symbolises the ideal of freedom.
The eponymous musical piece appears in the finale. The tune is a cashua, a kind of Andean dance similar to a huayno. It was inspired by traditional Andean songs, but has no lyrics.
Sources
- ^ "Canción "El Cóndor Pasa" fue declarada patrimonio cultural de Perú". 2004-04-13. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-12-28.