Gonzalo Godoy, composer, accordionist, belongs to the IV generation of musicians in his family. He has been present in music in the last 70 years with his sweetness, with his jokes, but above all with his creativity and as a strong defender of Ecuadorian music. This book is a beautiful tribute to his career- his legacy.

Julio Bueno, composer, pianist, Graduate National Conservatory of Music, Quito, Ecuador

 

Being part of history is the privilege of those who manage to look it in the eyes, take it by the hands and dance with it without fear or shame. This certainty is confirmed in the fascinating story of Don Gonzalo Godoy, whose relevance and artistic legacy are carefully outlined in these two volumes. This book is evidence of his indisputable work in Ecuadorian music, but also, and very exceptionally, of his capacity for seduction and ability to impart culture throughout almost a century of incessant activity.

Susana Asensio Llamas, musicologist, CSIC – Madrid, Spain

 

Luis Gonzalo Godoy is a complete musician: a devoted chapel master, an organist of infinite liturgies, a pianist for radio orchestras and nightclubs.  An accordionist who with solos and counterpoints accompanied musicians of the stature of Julio Jaramillo in waltzes, pasillos and pasacalles. This book offers an accurate musical x-ray of a fundamental Ecuadorian musician.

Rubén López Cano, musicologist, Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya, Spain

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Ecuadorian sound identities reside in the abundance, genius and generosity of the maestro Gonzalo Godoy. The thousand and one stories about his life in the company of famous and unexpected characters, which this book reveals, testify to his passage through history as the great protagonist of traditional Ecuadorian music.

Jannet Alvarado Delgado, musicologist, University of Cuenca, Ecuador

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The memory of popular musicians is usually preserved orally. That is why a volume dedicated to the memory of the outstanding Ecuadorian accordionist Gonzalo Godoy is comforting. As it collects in written form the voices of those who knew closely, whether through family or musical ties, the legendary composer and performer. The texts, edited by his son Mario, range from personal profiles to evaluations of Godoy's work. A necessary book to continue writing the history of popular and traditional music in Ecuador.

Julio Mendívil, musicologist, University of Vienna, Austria

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From evocation and memory, from essays and poetry, from sound and image, this volume introduces the life, the events, the legacy; in sum, of influential musician and a formidable human being: Luis Gonzalo Godoy. As a publishing venture, this book is an example to follow in favor of appreciating the legacies of other great Ecuadorian cultural actors.

Franklin Cepeda Astudillo, historian, Riobamba, Ecuador

 

Gonzalo Godoy, his legacy, is an excellent opportunity to know the value and merits of the human being and musician of lineage in his different moments. The work with texts by several authors balances emotional expression with the rigor required in the treatment of a large volume of available sources. The availability of edited music sheets, collaborates with the studies of musical heritages that are not well known outside of Ecuador.

Martha Enna Rodríguez, musicologist, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia

 

When telling us about one of the country's great musicians and performers, Gonzalo Godoy, this book sounds like perennial melodies; its pages reflect intense filial love and show special care in its preparation. It is a work that, chapter by chapter, radiates echoes from Riobamba and honors the life and memory of a key musician in memorable eras of the Ecuadorian pentagram.

Ignacio Ramos Mancheno, journalist, Riobamba, Ecuador

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Gonzalo Godoy, an icon of Ecuadorian popular music for more than eight decades: composer, instrumentalist, accompanist of soloists and ensembles that have adorned and continue to adorn the Ecuadorian pentagram. Descendant and progenitor of valuable musicians and researchers, he deserves - with many merits - this anthology of his life and work that enriches contemporary musical bibliography.

Carlos Freire Soria, musicologist, Cuenca, Ecuador