José Bernardo Alcedo facts for kids
José Bernardo Alzedo (born August 20, 1788 – died December 28, 1878) was a famous Peruvian composer. He is best known for creating the music for Peru's national anthem, "Somos libres, seámoslo siempre." This song became a symbol of Peru's freedom.
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Early Life and Musical Beginnings
José Bernardo Alzedo was born in Lima, Peru. He began his music studies at a young age. He learned music at the Convento de San Agustín, a special school in Cuzco. When he was just 18 years old, he composed a large musical piece called Misa en Re Mayor (Mass in D Major).
Composing the National Anthem
In 1821, a very important contest was held in Peru. General José de San Martín, a key leader in Peru's independence, wanted a new national anthem. José Bernardo Alzedo entered the contest. His music, set to words by José de la Torre Ugarte, won! This song became Peru's official national anthem, "Somos libres, seámoslo siempre" (meaning "We are free, let us always be so").
Years in Chile
In 1822, Alzedo traveled to Chile. He went there as a soldier in a military band. While in Santiago de Chile, he decided to leave the military. He then focused completely on his music. In 1833, he joined the choir at the Cathedral of Santiago. Later, in 1846, he became the kapellmeister, which means he was the main music director. He lived in Chile for 40 years, sharing his musical talents.
Return to Peru and Later Life
José Bernardo Alzedo returned to Peru in 1864. Back home, he became the director of the Peruvian military band. He also became the president of the Philharmonic, a group dedicated to music. He spent the last years of his life in Peru. In 1869, he wrote a book called Filosofía Elemental de la Música (Elementary Philosophy of Music). In this book, he explored the music of the Quechua people, who are native to the Andes mountains. Alzedo composed many different types of music. These included folk songs, religious music, and military pieces.
Selected Musical Works
Here are some of the important musical works by José Bernardo Alzedo:
- "Somos libres, seámoslo siempre" – This is the national anthem of Peru.
- "Himno al 2 de mayo" – A march.
- Miserere (1872)
- Misa en Re mayor – A mass in D major.
- Misa en Mi bemol – A mass in E flat major.
- Misa en Fa mayor – A mass in F major.
- "Canción para la Batalla de Ayacucho" – A song for the Battle of Ayacucho.
- "Pasión para el Domingo de Ramos" – A passion for Palm Sunday.
- "Pasión para el Viernes Santo" – A passion for Good Friday.
- La Araucana – A military overture for orchestra.
- "La Chicha", "La Cora", and "La Pola" – These were popular songs.
See also
In Spanish: José Bernardo Alzedo Retuerto para niños
