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A Romantic Tribute to Arequipa: Variations on the Melgar Waltz by Manuel Carranza Cueto
On October 24, 2025, at Coppelius Bar in Lima, audiences experienced a moving premiere of “Variations on the Melgar Waltz by Benigno Ballón Farfán,” Op. 29, a new work by Peruvian flutist and composer Manuel Carranza Cueto. The piece was commissioned and dedicated to Paloma Chávez, Principal Flutist of the National Symphony Orchestra of Peru, and beautifully performed by the acclaimed Duo AURUM, featuring Sini Rueda (flute) and Carlos Arancibia (piano).
A Fusion of Peruvian Soul and European Elegance
The work takes inspiration from one of the most beloved treasures of the Arequipa repertoire — the Melgar Waltz by Benigno Ballón Farfán. Deeply rooted in Peruvian sentiment, this melody embodies the romantic spirit of southern Peru. Carranza Cueto, who often bridges the gap between national identity and classical sophistication, transforms Ballón Farfán’s theme into a set of virtuosic and lyrical variations that reveal the brilliance of the modern flute.
Stylistically, the piece pays homage to Theobald Boehm (1794 – 1881), the German composer and inventor of the modern flute. Carranza Cueto adopts Boehm’s elegant Romantic idiom — graceful arpeggios, expressive chromatic turns, and refined melodic ornamentation — while infusing it with the warmth and rhythmic nuance of Peruvian waltz traditions.
A Memorable Premiere
Listeners were captivated by Duo AURUM’s performance, which combined technical mastery with heartfelt emotion. The crystalline tone of Sini Rueda and the sensitive phrasing of Carlos Arancibia created a dialogue that illuminated both the European and Andean influences in Carranza Cueto’s music. The concert became a celebration of Peru’s cultural richness, offering “a different vision of our beloved Peruvian music,” as the composer described.
For Performers and Listeners
Variations on the Melgar Waltz stands out as a significant new contribution to the modern flute repertoire, blending national identity with classical refinement. Its expressive melodic lines, virtuosic passages, and lyrical Romantic character make it both rewarding to perform and captivating to hear. The piece offers flutists an opportunity to explore a fusion of Peruvian color and European elegance, enriching recital programs with music that is at once heartfelt, brilliant, and deeply evocative.
The score and flute part are available for purchase through Sheet Music Direct:
A video of the performance:
https://youtu.be/tpuYkh-xpws?si=Inms7_y8i8ZDMft7
About the Composer
Manuel Carranza Cueto, Peruvian flutist and composer, serves as Director for South America for Flute Almanac. His growing catalog of works reflects a passion for uniting Peruvian musical heritage with the expressive power of the flute, creating bridges between tradition and innovation.
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