Cuzco, Perú (24)



Source: WTL photo taken in Cuzco.
Comments: Here you see a blind Peruvian harpist in the shadow of a narrow street in the historical center of Cuzco. In Latin America there are uniquely traditional harps of various styles: Mexican, Venezuelan, Paraguayan, and Andean. Here you see an Andean harp being played by a Quechua musician playing traditional Andean melodies. All Latin American traditional harps are variations of Spanish Baroque harps, which were cross-strung, double strung (Italian style), or single-strung, as is the harp seen here. The most popular of the Latin American harps is the Paraguayan harp: it is Paraguay's national instrument. Among the most famous and most accomplished Paraguayan harpists is Alfredo Rolando Ortiz (see his website: http://www.alfredo-rolando-ortiz.com/).
Interpretation: Comment on the combination of elements in this scene: architecture, music, light and shadow, social classes, etc.