Yma Sumac the Art Behind the Legend

text sumac.qxp 4/12/2008 8:31 AM Page iii

Yma Sumac The Art Behind the Legend

Nicholas E. Limansky

YBK Publishers, Inc. New York text sumac.qxp 4/12/2008 8:31 AM Page iv

For examples of Yma Sumac’s astonishing vocal range we recommend that you visit the music section of Amazon.com on your computer. In the search box insert “Yma Sumac” (quote marks optional). At each of her recordings advertised there you have the opportunity to listen to a free sampling of each track of a recording. You will be amazed.

YBK Publishers, Inc. 39 Crosby St. New York, NY 10013 www.ybkpublishers.com

Yma Sumac: The Art Behind the Legend

ISBN 978-0-9790972-9-4

Library of Congress Control Number: 2008921651

Manufactured in the United States of America, or in the United Kingdom when distributed elsewhere.

Ver 08-05

The painting reproduced on the cover: Through the Looking Glass, oil on canvas by Tyler Alpern, 1991. text sumac.qxp 4/12/2008 8:31 AM Page v

Contents

Foreword vii Acknowledgments ix Part I: The Life Introduction Legend of the Sun Virgin 1 Chapter One The Beginning: Emperatriz Chavarri (1922–1942) 7 Chapter Two Waiting: Imma Sumack (1942–1949) 15 Chapter Three The Arrival: Yma Sumac—“Intypa Wawan” (Daughter of the Sun) (1949–1952) 25 Chapter Four “Accla K’Ory” (Chosen One of Gold) (1952–1954) 67 Chapter Five “Taita Inty” (Virgin of the Sun God) (1954) 91 Chapter Six “Lament” (1955–1957) 121 Chapter Seven “Kuyaway” (Inca Love Song) (1958–1970) 141 Chapter Eight “Miracles” (1970–1974) 155 Chapter Nine “Remember” (Miracles) (1975–1985) 175 Chapter Ten “Tumpa!” (Earthquake!) (1987) 191 Chapter Eleven “La Molina” (The Mill Song) (The Ballroom, New York City 1989) 211 Chapter Twelve “La Pampa Y La Puna” (The Plains and the Mountains) (1989–1993) 217 Chapter Thirteen “Especially for You” (1996–2007) 223

Part II: The Voice Yma Sumac: The Voice 249 The Effects 256 The Repertoire 262 Yma and Opera 263 Incan Chants 267 Peruvian Music and Flute Singers of Peru 269

Epilogue 277 Index 281