José Asunción Flores facts for kids

José Asunción Flores (born August 27, 1904 – died May 16, 1972) was a famous Paraguayan composer. He is known for creating a special kind of music called Guarania.

Early Life of a Musician

José Asunción Flores grew up in a poor area of Asunción, Paraguay, called La Chacarita. As a child, he worked hard as a paperboy and shoeshiner. He did this to help his mother buy food and other important things for their family.

When he was just 11 years old, José joined the Capital Police marching band. He learned music from talented teachers like composer Félix Fernández and director Salvador Déntice. In 1922, he wrote his very first song. It was a polka called "Manuel Gondra."

The Birth of Guarania Music

In 1925, José Asunción Flores started trying out new ways to arrange old Paraguayan songs. He worked with a song called Maerãpa Reikuaase. Through his experiments, he created a brand new type of music. He named this new style Guarania. His first Guarania song was Jejui.

José wanted Guarania music to show the deep feelings of the Paraguayan people. He once said about his creation:

The Guarania is from my people, written for and by my people.

In 1928, Flores met Manuel Ortiz Guerrero, a poet from the Guairá region. Soon, they began working together. They created some of the most beautiful Guarania songs, including India, Cerro Corá, and Panambí Verá.

War, Exile, and Success

In 1932, José joined the army to fight for Paraguay in the Chaco War. After the war, Paraguay faced many political problems. Because of this, Flores moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Even though he lived in Argentina, his songs became very popular in Paraguay. The Guarania music style became a huge success. This showed how original and creative Flores's music was. In 1944, the Paraguayan government even declared the song India a "national song." While in Buenos Aires, Flores also wrote classical music. He composed twelve symphonies during his lifetime.

A Difficult Return and Lasting Legacy

In 1949, José Asunción Flores was offered a special award called the National Order of Merit. This was for his important work and contributions to Paraguayan music and culture. However, he chose not to accept the award. He did this to protest against the government after a student was killed during a protest.

Because of his protest, the government considered him a "traitor." When Alfredo Stroessner became president of Paraguay in 1954, Flores was not allowed to return to his home country. Even when he was very sick later in life, his wish to see Paraguay one last time was denied.

Despite the government banning his songs, people still played them on the radio. The people of Paraguay loved and connected with the Guaranias. José Asunción Flores passed away in 1972 in Buenos Aires.

In 1991, after President Stroessner was no longer in power, Flores's remains were brought back to Paraguay. They now rest in a public square that is named after him.

List of Works

José Asunción Flores's famous songs include:

• "India"
• "Nde Rendape ajú"
• "Panambí Verá"
• "Paraguaýpe"
• "Buenos Aires, Salud"
• "Kerasy"
• "Nde Raty Py Kuá"
• "Obrerito"
• "Gallito Cantor"
• "Purahéi Paha"
• "Mburicao"
• "Ñasaindype"
• "Ñande Aramboha"
• "Cholí"
• "Musiqueada Che Amape"
• "Ka´aty"
• "Arribeño Resay"

His symphonies include:

• Pyhare pyte
• Ñande Ru Vusu
• María de la Paz

See also

In Spanish: José Asunción Flores para niños