Carlos Guastavino, an Argentinian composer whose songs most often contain fluid melodies and a natural lyricism rooted in the folk traditions of his homeland. There is often a great deal of imagery in the texts that he chooses to set, and the style of his composition is derived from the “huella”. The huella is both a song and a dance style from the province of Buenos Aires, with one of its distinct characteristics being a vocal melody which starts on the upbeat. Listen for the aaccompaniment imitating the strumming of guitar strings and follow along with the translation of the beautiful poetic text of Hamlet Lima Quintana.

This is a recording of a live performance, with Steve Blier playing piano and me singing! Enjoy.

(If this recording does not appear in your email, please click the title of the post to listen on our website.)

Pampamapa
Text by Hamlet Lima Quintana

Yo no soy de estos pagos
Pero es lo mismo
He robado la magia
De los caminos.

Esta cruz que me mata
Me da la vida
Una copla me sangra
Que canta herida.

No me pidas que deje
Mis pensamientos
No encontrarás la forma
De atar al viento.

Si mi nombre te duele
Échalo al agua
No quiero que tu boca
Se ponga amarga.

A la huella mi tierra
Tan trasnochada.
Yo te daré mis sueños,
Dame tu calma.

___________________

Map of the Pampa

I’m not of this region
But it’s the same,
I’ve stolen the magic
From those paths.

This cross that kills me
Gives me life,
A verse bleeds from me
That sings wounded.

Don’t ask me to leave
My thoughts,
You’ll not find a way
To stay the wind.

If my name causes you pain,
Throw it in the water,
I don’t want your mouth
To become bitter.

At your threshold my earth
Having watched all night.
I will give you my dreams,
Give me your calm.