Quilapayún first started in Chile in 1965 and is now one of the most famous Andean musical bands in the world. Its main artistic value lies in its contribution to modernize the popular music of the continent. The band settled in France since September 1973. Nowadays, it moves between France and Chile.
The band mainly works on expressing and dealing with the creative tension between a nation and the universe, identity and diversity, tradition and innovation. In this regard, Quilapayún follows the example of certain famous artists of the continent: Huidobro, Matta, Neruda, etc. According to Quilapayun, these artists present the multi-cultural and heterogeneous dialogue.
Their work carries a combination of folk, popular, academic and expressive music, all containing original synthesis of the rich cultural diversity of Latin America.
The lyrics of the band always talk about the strong aspects of life through free and honest poetry. There set of themes are directed in a natural way of expression, which lead to a direct and moving dialogue. Through this means, they continue to use their lively sensibility against the injustice humans face in this world.
Quilapayun’s shows are full of passion, spontaneity, irony and emotions. One not only enjoys listening to exceptional music but also one is invited to participate in a non-stop modernization of the popular Latin-American music.
The music of Quilapayun has spread around the five continents. It was received with the same enthusiasm in the U.S as in Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, and Australia, not to mention in all Latin-American countries.
Quilapayun has recorded over numerous albums in different European and American countries.
Discography
Quilapayún (1966)
Canciones folklóricas de América, with Víctor Jara (1967)
X Vietnam (1968)
Quilapayún Tres (1968)
Basta (1969)
Quilapayún Cuatro (1970)
Cantata Santa María de Iquique, with Héctor Duvauchelle (1970)
Vivir como él (1971)
Quilapayún Cinco (1972)
La Fragua (1973) (text and music by Sergio Ortega)
El pueblo unido jamás será vencido (1974)
Adelante (1975)
Patria (1976)
La marche et le drapeau (1977)
Hart voor Chili (various artists) (1977)
Cantata Santa María de Iquique, new version with Jean-Louis Barrault (1978)
Umbral (1979)
Darle al otoño un golpe de ventana… (1980)
La revolución y las estrellas (1982)
Tralalí Tralalá (1984)
Survarío (1987)
Los tres tiempos de América, with Paloma San Basilio (1988)
Latitudes (1992)
Al horizonte (1999)
Siempre (2007)
Solistas (2009)
Encuentros (2013)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
