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Review, Analysis and Recordings Containing
Panarima
Panarima Monophonic
  (Moisés Vivanco - 3:21)
Recorded in 1952

Review and Analysis of Panarima by Nicholas E. Limansky
From Yma Sumac - The Art Behind the Legend
used with permission - all rights reserved, © Nicholas E. Limansky
Read more on the Legacy of the Diva Web site!
"Panarima" is not listed on any concert programs although it would have given a suitable touch of the outrè to any concert.  It may have been programmed but with the title "Inca Tears," a song that was frequently scheduled but never recorded.  This piece is just as odd as the previous "Mamallay" but more interesting if only for Yma's new descriptive devices.

Like "Mamallay" this is pure program music.  In this case the story line might be this: a priestess of the Incan temple of the Sun is found shirking her duties and when threatened with severe punishment, begs for mercy.  The punishment is carried out and she repents her misdeed.  Again, this song is too fragmented to be completely successful - its  errie ritualistic atmosphere almost sadistic.

The opening, complete with gong, sounds ominous because of the use of the lower register of the brass instruments and the broken phrases of woodwinds, pitched high in their registers.  Yma provides a sultry beginning by using her dusky contralto voice (down to low E flat), quarter-tones, and simulated, oppressed-sounding, weeping.  As she chants and pleads her way through these phrases, a chorus of women echo her.  This is followed by an odd, short B section which finds Yma rising to a tremulous high C, interrupted by the strong cracking of a whip.  She wails as if in pain, while a nearby man (actually Hernan Braña) shouts "Ha-ga-la-vis-tee!"  This leads into the "redemption" section sung completely within Yma's mezzo-soprano register.  Accompnaied by swirling violins and chordal brass chimes and winds, this is one of the loveliest melodies written for Yma's voice.  Although short and simple Yma imbues the lines with many colorations, rhythmical leanings and accents, making the theme exultant.  The conclusion is brought to a close with Yma sustaining a Picardy third in a creamy, mezzo soprano voice.  Harp and swirling violins have the last word.

Panarima  is included on the following releases
catalog no: T-299
Reissue of second album, first 12 inch LP pressing 1955 United States
catalog no: SM-299
Probably a '60s or '70s reissue of Yma Sumac's second album recorded in 1952.  Because of the extra space this format had, additional tracks from the same recording session were added.  The original 78 rpm set had only eight tracks. 1965 United States
catalog no: ENC 10489
Reissue of Yma Sumac's second album, released originally as a 78 rpm set recorded in 1952, this is a later 12" LP pressing.  Due to the extended play time on this format, additional tracks from the same session were used to fill it. 1965 Australia
catalog no: T-299
Reissue of second album, later 12 inch LP pressing 1972 United States
catalog no: UV099
This Italian release was made on "audiophile" 180 gram vinyl. 2004 Italy
catalog no: REV27
Vinyl releases seem to be the trend now as this recent double LP indicates. This time it is a reissue from a compilation CD rather than being a reissue of an original vinyl disk. 2003 United Kingdom
catalog no: PS39015
A collection featuring tracks drawn primarily from Yma Sumac's Mambo! (1954) and her Legend of the Sun Virgin (1952) albums with several others from various albums and singles. 2007 Germany
catalog no: CDP-7-91 250-2
Reissue of second album, first Compact Disc reissue.  These early CD releases had much sharper, clearer cover art than the later Right Stuff reissues. 1989 United States
catalog no: 0777-7-91 250-2-9
Reissue of second album, second CD reissue 1996 United States
catalog no: INTROCD2086
Another compilation of early '50s material by Yma Sumac. 2006 United Kingdom
catalog no: CREVO 34 CD
Reissue of compilation with previously-unreleased material. This reissue contains a slightly different track selection than the original 2001 United Kingdom
catalog no: 23351
76 Hits and Rarities from the goddess of Exotica. More details and track for this September 2012 collection coming soon. 2012 United Kingdom
catalog no: 118734
Anthologie 1950-1959 Compact Disc set of Yma Sumac's containing all of Yma Sumac's 1950's Capitol Records original release catalog. Probably a bootleg as no EMI/Capital Records licensing information could be found. These tracks are included on legitimate releases of all the original albums. 2013 France
catalog no: BLUE102CD
Double CD collection features remastered tracks from the 1943 Argentina Session along with those from the Capitol Records years. 2005 United Kingdom
Yet another compilation CD with the title of Queen of Exotica making three with that title. This one, which is a 2-CD set, combines four of Yma Sumac's '50s albums. 2005 United Kingdom
catalog no: 4 M-299
Yma Sumac's second album is sung in quasi-classical style.  This is the first cassette reissue.  The original 78 rpm set had eight tracks while 12" LP and later reissues generally had twelve as does this cassette.  The additional tracks were from the same session. 1987 United States
catalog no: 8 M 299
Reissue of second album 1972 United States
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