Other Notable Musicians of Petare

Throughout its history, Petare has been the birthplace of talented musicians who left an indelible mark on Venezuelan culture. Three of them, Ángel María Landaeta, Norberto Arocha and Rafael Castro Barinas, stand out for their contributions to popular and religious music and for their deep connection with their community. Each, in his own time and style, contributed to Petare's musical and cultural development, leaving a legacy that lives on today.

In this article we explore their lives and legacies, remembering how each of them helped shape Petare's rich musical tradition.

Ángel María Landaeta: composer of the waltz "Adiós, a Ocumare"

Born in 1872 on Calle de la Puerta del Golpe (today Calle Agricultura in Petare), Ángel María Landaeta grew up surrounded by music thanks to his father's teaching. Landaeta mastered several instruments, including the violin, organ, guitar and some band instruments, which allowed him to create a repertoire of both religious and popular works. Although many of his compositions have been lost, his legacy lives on in pieces like the famous waltz "Adiós, a Ocumare".

The waltz, premiered in an arrangement by Jermán Ubaldo Lira at a dance on Calle El Comercio in Petare, became popular thanks to Venezuela's then president, Cipriano Castro, who made it his favorite piece. Besides this waltz, Landaeta composed other sacred and popular works, including Tú y yo, Vísperas de carnaval and several masses performed at religious festivals in Petare and Ocumare del Tuy. Ángel María Landaeta died in 1920 in Ocumare del Tuy.

Norberto Arocha: the musician devoted to Holy Week

Norberto Arocha, born in 1885 on Callejón 24 de Julio in Petare, was another outstanding local musician. He learned the violin under Jermán Ubaldo Lira and also mastered the flute, cello and double bass. His devotion to religious music and love of tradition led him to take part in the Holy Week masses and to take charge of decorating the religious images of the Church of Dulce Nombre de Jesús, especially that of Jesus at the Column.

Arocha also composed several pieces, including the waltzes A tu lado and Feliz año and the joropo Tiro seguro, although sadly much of his work has been lost over time. He left a family legacy of devotion and music carried on by his children and grandchildren. He died in 1962 at the age of 77.

Rafael Castro Barinas: Petare's chronicler and musician

Rafael Castro Barinas, born on 28 May 1910 in Petare, was a student of Jermán Ubaldo Lira and played the bass horn in the Banda Sucre between 1928 and 1943. Castro Barinas also had a career in public administration, serving as Prefect of the El Hatillo Municipality and working at the Social Security Institute until he retired in 1973.

Castro Barinas was not only a talented musician but also an organizer of Petare's cultural life. He founded the Sociedad del Carmen in 1962, which played an important role in religious festivities and community events. He also composed waltzes such as 28 de mayo, Languidez and Reconciliación, as well as marches and hymns dedicated to the Sociedad del Carmen and the Santo Cristo de Guacara. He died in 1986, leaving a cultural legacy preserved by his daughter, Isbelia Castro Barinas.

Summary: a shared legacy

The musicians Ángel María Landaeta, Norberto Arocha and Rafael Castro Barinas not only contributed to Petare's musical development but also enriched the spiritual and cultural life of their community. Their works and actions left a deep mark on both religious music and popular traditions. Each, in his own way, embodies the artistic and devout spirit of Petare, a town that has known how to honor and preserve its cultural heritage over the years.

Related video: Here is a video of the famous composition "Adiós, a Ocumare", written by Ángel María Landaeta in 1904: