| Recorded in 1961.
The voice of Yma Sumac is indeed a miracle of nature. However, if that were all she was, the public's interest would not have gone beyond mere curiosity. What has made the singer's abilities so striking is the fact that she has managed to use the immense vocal resources at her disposal, resolutely striving for genuine artistry.
Her early repertoire included popular music and jazz pieces which she performed in her own inimitable and scintillating style. However, by 1961, when this recording was made, she had abandoned this path, devoting herself to the noble and challenging goal of making known the music of her homeland. The folklore of Peru, influenced by the Spanish musical tradition, has become widely known and appreciated, due in large part to the artistry of Miss Sumac. In addition to Peruvian music, folk songs from neighboring countries - Bolivia, Chile, etc - became a major part of Yma Sumac's repertoire. |