Jesús Castillo (b. 9 September 1877; d. 23 April 1946), Guatemalan composer and student of native Indian music. Castillo was born in San Juan Ostuncalco, near Quezaltenango in the western highlands of Guatemala. As a young man he became interested in traditional Indian music. He composed his "First Indian Overture" based on the Dance of the Little Bulls, a traditional dance at fiestas. Traveling from village to village in the highlands, he collected data about the music of the different Indian groups. Castillo used themes and melodiesin a classical tradition to compose his symphonic poems, suites, operas, and ballets. He became a leading authority on Indian music and instruments. His writings include La música Maya-Quiché (1941) and Legado folklórico a la juventud guatemalteca (1944). He died in Quezaltenango.

Jesus Castillo (Guatemala) - Fiesta De Pajaros

Chopin's etude, known as the Revolutionary etude in the key of c minor. It features a powerful combination of fast and furious left hand running passages with right hand intense chords. Towards the end, and after an unexpected change of key to G-flat major, the music suddenly struggles between major and minor keys, ending triumphantly in a powerful "victory" chord of C MAJOR. Chopin did not call the etude "Revolutionary" but it is said to represent the struggle of his native country, Poland, as it was being invaded by Russia. The ending in a big, loud C Major Chord is very meaningful, as it could represent victory to his homeland.

Frederic Chopin (Poland)- Etude op. 10, No.12 in c minor "Revolutionary"

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Jesus Castillo (Guatemala) - Fiesta De Pajaros

Martin Soderberg

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