Cayo Sila Godoy facts for kids

Cayo Sila Godoy in concert

Cayo Sila Godoy (born December 4, 1919 – died September 2, 2014) was a very famous classical guitarist from Paraguay. He was known for his amazing skill and for sharing Paraguayan music with the world.

Early Life and Music School

Cayo Sila Godoy was born in Villarrica, Paraguay, on December 4, 1919. His family loved music. His mother and uncles were talented musicians. They taught him how to play many instruments. These included the piano, violin, mandolin, harp, and guitar.

When he was young, Cayo studied music with his uncle, Marciano Echauri. Later, at age 16, he learned about music harmony from Juan Carlos Moreno Gonzalez.

At 16, Cayo left his hometown of Villarrica. He received a special scholarship to study at the National Music Conservatory in Asunción, Paraguay. This was a big achievement! By the time he was 24, he had graduated. He became a professor of music theory and musicology. This meant he could teach others about how music works.

After graduating, he received another grant. This allowed him to continue his music studies in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He stayed there for nine years. During this time, he studied with Consuelo Mallo López. He worked hard to make his guitar playing even better. He became a true master of the instrument.

First Concerts and Travels

In 1948, Cayo Sila Godoy won an award. The Chamber Music Association in Buenos Aires gave him a diploma. It was for the best concert of their season that year.

In 1953, the government asked him to go on a special tour. He traveled and performed, following the path of another great Paraguayan musician, Mangore. Cayo gave concerts, shared talks, and collected information about Mangore.

From 1959 to 1962, he took advanced lessons. He studied with Andrés Segovia, who was a world-famous classical guitarist. Segovia even invited Cayo to study in Spain for three years. All his expenses were paid! He learned a lot and traveled with Segovia.

In 1963, Cayo Sila Godoy visited the United States. President John F. Kennedy personally invited him to perform concerts. During this trip, he played on a radio show called the Voice of America. He also performed with famous American guitarists like Charlie Byrd. Later, he toured the US many times. In 1977, he visited Kansas, which is Paraguay's "sister state." He taught special classes there at Wichita State University.

He also toured Japan in 1980 and Australia in 1983. He performed in many countries in Latin America and Europe too.

Important Roles and Music

In 1994, Cayo Sila Godoy became a music advisor. He worked for the government's Vice Minister of Culture in Paraguay. He also joined the National Advisor Board of Culture.

Cayo's music style was special. He often mixed sounds from popular music with modern classical ideas. His later songs sometimes explored new musical sounds.

He was also a wonderful music teacher. He helped many young musicians become talented artists. One of his most famous students was Luz Maria Bobadilla. She is a brilliant composer and guitarist.

Recordings and Books

Cayo Sila Godoy made several recordings. Some of his albums include:

• Sila Godoy in concert (recorded in New York City, USA, in 1982)
• Sila Godoy (recorded in Australia, in 1983)
• Aranjuez and Madrigal (cassettes from 1994, combining earlier recordings)
• The Music of Agustin Barrios Mangore and Jose Asuncion Flores (a CD from 1994, with his best recordings)

He also worked as a researcher. He wrote a book with Luis Szarán called Mangore, Life and Plays of Agustin Barrios. He was also working on other books about Barrios.

Cayo Sila Godoy created many original pieces for guitar. Some popular ones are "Habanera," "Moto perpetuo," "Extasis," and "Fiesta Campesina." He also arranged songs by Jose Asuncion Flores, a great composer of Guaranias. His versions of "Nde renda pe aju" and "Gallito Cantor" are very well-known.

Cayo Sila Godoy spent his life in Asunción. He gave many talks, concerts, and appeared on radio and TV shows. He passed away on September 2, 2014.

Images for kids

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  Cayo Sila Godoy in concert

See also

In Spanish: Cayo Sila Godoy para niños