Art Music of Venezuela: Anselmo Lopez

Anselmo Lopez, also known as the King of Bandola and/or Mandolin, was born on April 21, 1934 in Chaparrito, Barinas, Venezuela. “The Bandola is one of many varieties of small pear-shape chordophones” (Wikipedia) or an instrument that makes sound by way of a vibrating string or strings stretched between two points. It is primarily found in Venezuela and Colombia.

Anselmo Lopez first took interest in music when he heard the harp and the cuatro. But his true love for music starts when he held a mandolin in his hands the very first time at age 12. Since then, he has been devoted to extracting the best melodies of the instrument. His first appearance with the mandolin was in Fiesta Criolla program broadcasted by Radio Barinas, in 1963. From there, he began a career upward, along which he recorded over 75 albums, 27 LP and 7 cd’s.

His love of music encouraged him to teach courses on executing or playing mandolin at universities and schools. He also worked in the Ministry of Education programs designed to spread awareness of the mandolin. The Venezuelan star has participated in major national and international festivals and has performed at renowned scenarios in Cuba, Panama, the United States, Colombia, France and Spain. He has also made acting appearances in the movies The King and the mandolin, Doña Bárbara, One People and Water Blood. Some of his works includes Alborotao, Bandola of Chaparrito, espellejao Carnival, The Hawk Cousin, Galerón Barinas, The Catira Old, My Nostalgia is a Rope, Remembering Portuguesa, San Lorenzo, My Old Dear, Three Ladies, You took my love , Buzzer.

Discography:

1968 Viajando Al Llano

1970 Raudales De Mi Región

1972 Bandola Quitapesares

1973 Bandola Internacional

1974 Arpa y Bandola

1975 Cimarrón

1976 Esta Es Mi Bandola

1976 Bandola Del Llano Adentro

1977 Lluvia En El Llano

1980 Folklore Puro

1981 Bandola De Chaparrito