Monday, February 22, 2010

Rest in peace Ariel Ramirez

The Argentine musical scene has been moved by the recent deaths of several notable names. Last October the "Voice of America" Mercedes Sosa passed away, followed nearly three months later with the death of 70s pop icon Sandro.

The latest figure to have drifted into the great beyond was pianist and composer Ariel Ramirez. The 88-year-old died of a neurological condition last Thursday having left behind a treasure of music spanning a seven-decade career. He worked closely with the late Sosa and co-authored two of her hits: "Mujeres Argentinas" (Argentine Women) and "Cantata Sudamericana" (South American Cantata). Ramirez will be best remembered, however, for the stunning mix of choral and indigenous sounds in "Misa Criolla" (Creole Mass):

(Hat tip: MetaFilter).

Online Sources- The Latin Americanist, MetaFilter, Christian Science Monitor, Washington Post

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