Paraguayan Harpists Say 'Greetings America' With 'Maitei America: Harps Of Paraguay,' Out May 19th On Smithsonian Folkways

New York, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Shore Fire Media) - On May 19th Smithsonian Folkways will release 'Maitei America: Harps of Paraguay,' a majestic collection of Paraguayan harp music that displays the rich history and supreme versatility of one of the world's most elegant instruments. 'Maitei America' has 20 tracks accompanied by extensive historical notes and detailed song notes.

Paraguayan harp music is unique, and stands out as a favorite for harpists the world over- not least for its driving rhythms, compelling melodies and elaborate ornamentation. 'Maitei America' ("Greetings America" in the Guarani Indian language) boasts three generations of Paraguay's best harpists spinning out classic compositions steeped in over four centuries of history. The preeminent, tradition-hewn polca paraguaya musical form is infused with intensely fresh, mind-opening improvisations by master musicians Nicolas Caballero, Martin Portillo, Marcelo Rojas, Miguel Angel Valdez and Kike Pedersen.

Paraguayan harpists had a notable role in the development of the harp as an instrument. Jesuit missionaries first introduced the European version of the harp to Paraguay in the 1600s. In addition to using harps frequently as musical accompaniment during liturgical singing, these missionaries established musical schools and instrument workshops where natives first became acquainted with the harp. By the time the Jesuits had been expelled in the late eighteenth century, many Guarani Indians had become skilled luthiers and harp players who would lay the foundation for several innovative structural and tonal adaptations that continue to characterize Paraguayan harps today.

One modification was born from the collaboration between renowned harp builder Epifanio Lopez and composer Feliz Perez Cardozo. Perez Cardozo suggested that Lopez expand the traditional 32-string configuration of the diatonic harp to include four extra strings in the lower register. Most harp builders have maintained the 36-string configuration born from the Perez Cardozo-Lopez collaboration ever since. Perhaps the most radical change made to the diatonic harp in Paraguay was the introduction of small metal levers that allow players to change the tonality of the instrument manually without retuning all of the strings. This hybrid version is preferred for repertoires dominated by musica internacional, whereas the classic diatonic version is preferred for traditional Paraguayan music. 'Maitei America' highlights these special qualities of Paraguyan harp music that make the album essential listening.