Víctor Lidio Jara Martínez, better known as Victor Jara, was a highly respected, insanely revered and impressively defiant (until the end) Chilian folk singer of the 1960’s/70’s. Known as one of the pioneers of the nueva canción genre of politically charged popular songs, it was his political activism that led to his all-too early death at the age of just 40.
Jara’s interest in folk music was sparked when in 1957 he met Violeta Parra, one of the founders of the nueva canción movement. He began playing folk songs with a decided leftist bent, and he released his self-titled debut album in 1966. Throughout the late 1960’s he continued to write and record many albums, right up until his execution in 1973.
Unlike a lot of his other more political orientated material, today’s song is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Inspired and named after a lady called Angelita Huenumán, the story behind this song began in the summer on 1969 when Victor and his family were on holiday in the the province of Arauco (in Chile). Whilst visiting the town of Pocuno they met a self-taught Mapuche weaver called Angelita Huenumán who was well-known for in the area for her blankets and rugs. Victor Jara was so impressed by the weaver’s craftsmanship that he decided to dedicate a song to her and this featured on his fourth album, Canto Libre which was released in 1970.
Angelita Huenumán really is a work of delicate beauty, minimalist, and yet so bewitching. I have no idea what he is singing, the enchantment is in the delivery, for this transcends any language.
I really love this song….
Listen above and read more about Victor Jara here (amongst many other sources).
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