Paraguayan Harp, Vol. 2

Ed Lange and His Trio Andeno - Paraguayan Harp, Vol. 2

released on LP in 1977

I found this record at a thrift store. While finding really good records like this one between $1 and $2 at thrift stores and other similar places is great, one of the drawbacks is that volume 2 of something is there yet volume 1 or other volumes are missing. I searched in the same racks again twice trying to find the first volume of Paraguayan Harp. No luck. Perhaps someday I'll obtain volume 1. In the meantime, do enjoy Paraguayan Harp, Vol. 2 supremely produced and performed.

From the liner notes:

The Indian Harp of Paraguay was most probably introduced to South America by the Jesuit missionaries of the middle 1500's. These astute men studied the Guarani language (the language of the Tupi-Guarani Indians in and around Paraguay) and Christianized them in their native language, and taught them to sing and dance in celebration of the God of the Western European world. Most probably it was the medieval harp of Ireland that was carried to Paraguay. After many turbulent years, during which the missionaries were killed or run out of Paraguay, the musical instruments and European influence remained.

Until the turn of this last century, the harp was most probably an accompanying instrument, and differed in shape and tonal quality from the present one. As the harp gained popularity, it became more and more the focal point of conjuntos [groups], and began to attract the attention of prolific folk song composers. The Paraguayan harp of today is a highly sophisticated, incredibly fine-tempered instrument, and is still undergoing changes. It is distinctively Paraguayan, and yet has found popularity the world over. It is a diatonic instrument, and has 36 strings covering five octaves. It is played with the fingernails and callouses to achieve a wide range in tonal qualities. Although diatonic, much of the solo music of the harp is played in the relative minor key, and guitars sometimes add in missing notes to achieve otherwise impossible chords. The masters of the instrument have achieved a rapid dexterity that entrances audiences, who see hands flying all over the harp. This is a virtuoso's instrument, and to play it well requires either brutal attack of the instrument - or tender caressing of the strings. It is a harp played by men and yet... it sings to the Gods.

Tracklisting:

Side 1

1.  Pajaro Campana (The Bell Bird)  {4:16}

2.  El Condor Pasa  {3:56}

3.  Malambo  {4:03}

4.  Lamento Paraguayo (Paraguayan Lament)  {3:22}

5.  Rio Rebelde (Rebel River)  {2:45}

Side 2

1.  Mi Atarraya (My Fishing Net)  {3:06}

2.  El Tren (The Train)  {2:35}

3.  Zambita  {3:07}

4.  Torrealbara  {3:06}

5.  Caballito (Little Horse)  {2:30}

6.  La Calecita (Merry-Go-Round)  {1:52}

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