Analysis Of The Song El Condor Pasa

“El Condor Pasa” is written in four beats per measure. It keeps a steady rhythm in the introduction (which lasts for the first 5 measures); however, the second measure of the second line is syncopated, causing the pulse to fall on every second note. It creates what is called ‘anticipation’ when the listener expects the notes to fall on the pulse, but a pause or a tie distorts the constant rhythm. In this case, a quarter note gives the illusion of starting a new measure, even though it is written before the bar line, creating the sense of a different rhythm, and contributing to a more unique and less robotic sound. The syncopation is broken in the following measure, returning to a steady rhythm.

The song follows the same rhythmic pattern, four
beats per measure. With the accompaniment falling on the pulse, it can be considered an ostinato, since it is a recurring pattern throughout the song.