Jose Asuncion Flores, born on August 27, 1904, in Asuncion, Paraguay, was a renowned composer and musician who is credited with creating the music genre known as Guarania in 1925. Raised in a humble family, Flores learned the value of hard work from a young age. He helped his family make ends meet by working as a shoeshiner and a paperboy, developing a strong work ethic that would serve him well in his future career.
During his formative years, Flores showed a keen interest in music and began studying under composer Félix Fernández. He also received musical training from Salvador Déntice, the director of the Capital Police marching band. These early experiences laid the foundation for Flores' future success as a composer.
Jose Asuncion Flores' career as a composer took off in the 1920s when he teamed up with poet Manuel Ortiz Guerrero to form a prolific and popular partnership. Together, they created a unique style of music that combined traditional Paraguayan folk melodies with elements of classical music, resulting in the creation of Guarania.
Flores' contributions to music extended beyond Guarania, as he also composed 12 symphonies and a variety of classical music pieces. His work was celebrated for its innovative approach to blending different musical styles and its ability to evoke the beauty and spirit of Paraguayan culture.
Despite facing adversity in his early years, Jose Asuncion Flores persevered to become one of Paraguay's most celebrated composers. His legacy as the father of Guarania and his lasting contributions to classical music have solidified his place in history as a true musical genius.
Jose Asuncion Flores passed away on May 16, 1972, but his legacy lives on through his timeless compositions and enduring impact on Paraguayan culture.