Waldo De Los Rios

Latin music experienced a profound loss on March 28, 1977, when Waldo de los Rios died by suicide, removing one of its foremost adapters of classical repertoire. Renowned for his skill in shaping opulent, densely scored arrangements, he stood out for converting enduring works from the European classical canon into accessible pop pieces. His standout achievement arrived in 1971 through a fresh take on Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, the piece originally written in 1788. Scores by de los Rios featured in the 1967 feature Pampa Salvaje, which brought him an honor from the Argentine Cinemagraphic Association, and again in the 1969 musical comedy Pedro Lazaga, produced by Pedro Maso. Wide-ranging musical influences shaped his approach. In 1972 he directed the Madrid Philharmonic Orchestra for the album Coming on Again, which British outfit Tucky Buzzard captured during sessions in Spain; after its initial Spanish release, the recording received a worldwide reissue in May 2002. Born in Buenos Aires, de los Rios trained in counterpoint and composition with Alberto Ginastera and Teodoro Fuchs.