In 2007, I was in Seattle visiting the Space Needle, where a Peruvian band played for the enjoyment of the crowd. Complete with panpipes, they began to play a tune I immediately recognized as El Condor Pasa, recorded by Simon and Garfunkle in the 70's. However, it just sounded too authentic, and I later found that the tune was written in 1913 by Daniel Robles from Peru. El Condor was initially composed as an instrumental piece, and Spanish words were added a bit later. I love the imagery of the condor gliding over, while the person watching compares the flight of the condor to love encircling us, and gliding into our hearts. The irony of the text is that love glides into our hearts, but may leave our hearts as well. The questions and feelings posed by the composition are: Will you think of me? How can I go on? The piece ends with thoughts that are constantly coming into our minds....leave me....think of me...leave me...think of me, etc. The obligato Soprano I and Soprano II parts represent the condor flying above a heart yearning to love. I composed the alto line a little more rhythmic than is normally the case for this tune, because I had the Peruvian panpipe band in my ear. The accompaniment that day in Seattle was quite rhythmic. There is also an original C-instrument part in the accompaniment (panpipe, recorder, flute, etc.). It is in the style of the music I heard that day in Seattle. In addition, a simple rhythmic step by the choir (step-touch) can be used to enhance the style of the music.....just like those men in the Peruvian band near the Space Needle!