Andean music comes from the approximate area inhabited by the Incas prior to European contact. It includes the countries Chile, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador and Bolivia.
Wind and percussion instruments are known to have existed even prior to the Incas, but musical evolution peaked with the Incan empire. The arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century brought string instruments and new forms, spurring the invention of the distinctive charango, a stringed instrument similar to a lute.
Panpipes (Aymara: siku; Quechua: antara; Spanish: zampoña) are an ancient indigenous instrument that comes in multiple varieties. Some modern panpipes are capable of playing a full scale, and are used as solo instruments, while traditional panpipes were played in pairs; this is still commonplace with two performers sharing a melody. Quenas (notched-end flutes) remain popular, and are traditionally made out of bamboo, though PVC piping has become popular. Quenas are generally only played during the dry season, while vertical flutes called tarkas taking over in the wet. Marching bands dominated by drums and panpipes are commonplace, and are used to celebrate weddings and other holidays.
The 20th century has seen drastic changes in Andean society and culture. Bolivia, for example, saw a nationalistic revolution in 1952, leading to increased rights and social awareness for natives. The new government established a folklore department in the Bolivian Ministry of Education, and radio stations began broadcasting in Aymara and Quechua. By 1965, an influential group called Los Jairas formed in La Paz, Bolivia; the quartet fused native sounds into forms suitable for urban Europeans and the middle class. One member of Los Jairas, Gilbert Favre (a Swiss-French flautist) had previously been an acquaintance of the Parras (Angel, Isabel and their mother Violeta) in Paris. The Parras eventually began promoting indigenous music in Santiago, Chile. The late 1960s released native groups such as Ruphay, Grupo Aymara and the emblematic quechua singer Luzmila Carpio. Later Chilean groups like Inti-Illimani and Los Curacas took the fusion work of Los Jairas and the Parras to invent nueva canción, which returned to Bolivia in the 1980s in the form of canto nuevo artists like Emma Junaro and Matilde Casazola.
- Center for Music of the Andes – Brief history and information about Andean music.
- GoEcuador.com: Folk Music Archives – Music samples and information about several Ecuadoran musical groups and artists.
- Music from the Andes – Spotlights music from the Andean countries, includes descriptive notes about their music.
- Musica Andina – Features forms and styles of Andean music, instruments, and recordings.
- Alturas Music – Group based in California. Music from the Incan Andes, with information on albums, performances, MP3s, and informational links.
- Arpay – Christian Andean Music from Peru. Includes music online, biography, gallery, and tour calendar.
- Cantos del Pueblo – Traditional Andean music. In German, Spanish, and English.
- Capari-Cani – Musical ensemble from Ecuador playing Andean traditional music and Western blends.
- Fiesta Andina – Andean folk music trio based in Nova Scotia, Canada.
- Hijos del Sol – Founded by Andean musician Gilmar Ramirez, includes biography, photos, discography, and free downloads of their themes. In English, Spanish, and German.
- IInti-Illimani – Chilean group. Features programs, biography, discography, and calendar.
- Inca – Peruvian ensemble based in Los Angeles: includes biographies, discography and audio samples; it also offers information about the history and the instruments of Andean music.
- Inca Sons – Plays music from the Andes of Peru and the rest of Latin America. It presents full-scale stage productions for fairs, festivals and concerts, gives lectures, performances and workshops for schools, and provides musical training.
- Inka Antares – Includes biographies and contact information.
- Karumanta Jamuyku – Features traditional Bolivian music and the music of Oscar Reynolds.
- Llapaku – Bolivian group. Includes video and music clips, instruments, and musicians. In Spanish, French, and English.
- Los Calchakis – Features biographies, instruments, and news.
- Music of the Andes in Europe – Includes sound files and links.
- Poesia Andina – Group based in Australia. Includes history and music samples.
- Quichua Mashis – A band formed by Quichua Indians from northern Ecuador. Sells music CDs, instruments, and clothing from the Andes region of South America.
- Saint Paul Sunday presents Rumillajta – Exploring the music the music of this Bolivian ensemble that specializes in native Andean repertoire.
- Sisa Pacari – Group of Andean musicians. Includes biography, reviews, discography, tour schedule and contact information.
- Tunari – Music of the Andes in Australia. Includes booking information and music.
- Wayanay Inka – Traditional Andean band. Features biographies, instruments, music samples, and online ordering of music.
