Search - Fronterizos :: 40 Obras Fundamentales

Songs from the Heart of Salta Province!

Maximiliano F Yofre | Buenos Aires, Argentina | 10/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whenever you think about Argentinean music, you think about Tango.

But there exist a whole universe of Argentinean folkloric music as representative as Tango or more so. Tango actually is Buenos Airs City's music.

The "Fronterizos" is a traditional Argentinean folkloric band. They had changed their members in their extended life-span, only one thing remains unchanged: all members were born at Salta. This Province has a well earned reputation of giving birth to remarkable poets, folklorists, musicians and singers.

The "Fronterizos" started their performances in 1953, dissolved in 1977 and reborn in 2000. Their "golden period", IMHO, was from 1956 thru 1966 when they were constituted by Madeo, López, Moreno and Isella.



The present pair of CD contains forty tracks that fully represent "Fronterizos"' repertoire.

"Felipe Varela" is the story of Salta's invasion in 1867 by forces of another Argentinean Province. Those were years of political disorganization and each Province was as an independent country. This is a very traditional piece with epic resonances written by José Rios and music composed by J.J. Botelli.

"Luna Tucumana" is a tender song addressing the Moon, as seen from the valleys of Tucuman, nicknamed "The Garden of the Republic", due to the wonderful woods full of flowers and rare trees that populate the smallest Argentina's Province.

"López Pereyra" is a deep rooted Salta's romantic zamba that tells the sadness of a long lost love, the voices of the band sang it in a beautiful counterpoint.

In "Vidala para mi sombra" the poet wonders what will be of "his" shadow when he is dead. In this composition "Fronterizos" reach peaks of harmony and sentiment. It is an unforgettable track!



As a last note I must point out that "Fronterizos" revolutionized, in their time, the way in which traditional quartets sang. They incorporate acute counterpoints between their voices, enriching musical folkloric forms.

These are CDs to be treasured by anyone in love with folk music of distant lands.

Reviewed by Max Yofre."

40 Obras Fundamentales

Mirko Konecny | Berthierville, Quebec, Canada | 08/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A great collection of favourites by Los Fronterizos. Makes for very pleasant relaxation."