Latin American musicians have long been directly associated with politics. The artists of the nueva canciĆ³n rejected materialism and hoped for a better world. In Chile they are committed to the election of Salvador Allende as president. Successfully. In 1969 the first festival of the 'new song' took place in the stadium of Santiago, with Victor Jara as the winner. Four years later, after Allende's
… fall, the same Jara found himself in the stadium again: he was tortured and riddled with bullets. The musicians of the Chilean band Inti-illimani were touring Europe at the time. They were unable to return and remained as exiles in Italy for 14 years. Only in 1988 could they return to Chile. Inti-illimani has been on stage for Amnesty International and the Victor Jara Foundation. Despite the political message, their music does not immediately come across as political. It is harmonious and peaceful music with audible influences from Latin American folk music (including the use of typical Indian instruments such as the pan flute) and Mediterranean music. The Lugares Communes album contains six songs and four instrumental pieces, inspired by music from Colombia, Peru, Mexico and the Italian film composer Nino Rota. (CP) The Lugares Communes album contains six songs and four instrumental pieces, inspired by music from Colombia, Peru, Mexico and the Italian film composer Nino Rota. (CP) The Lugares Communes album contains six songs and four instrumental pieces, inspired by music from Colombia, Peru, Mexico and the Italian film composer Nino Rota. (CP)more