Peruvian singer known for an extraordinary claimed vocal range (reported four to five octaves), theatrical exotica recordings in the 1950s and international touring; longtime collaborator and husband Moisés Vivanco; recorded for Capitol Records.

Publicly verifiable highlights: stage name Yma Sumac; Peruvian nationality; birth name reported as Zoila Emperatriz Chávarri del Castillo (variants appear in sources and reviews); collaborated with guitarist/composer Moisés Vivanco; associated with albums such as Voice of the Xtabay and Inca Taqui; widely reported and celebrated for an exceptional vocal range (commonly cited as four to five octaves); international tours and 1950s-era popularity documented in contemporary sources and press.

DeBaser reviews praise Yma Sumac as a singular vocal virtuoso, often noting her claimed four- to five-octave range and exotic theatricality. Reviewers highlight recordings such as Inca Taqui and Voice of the Xtabay and describe her international touring career. The tone across reviews is admiring and fascinated.

For:Fans of vocal virtuosity, exotica, world music, and vintage 1950s recordings.

 There is that moment when the veil of Maya is torn apart to reveal Knowledge. That moment, as thunderous as the crackling of the fire surrounding Elijah's chariot as it ascends to heaven, belongs to the Virgen del Sol Yma Sumac, and it is the moment in "Chuncho" when the Peruvian singer intones the highest note ever recorded in a musical piece.

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 whoever dares to ask such a question should know that she is one of the most gifted singers in the world and was one of the first to blend tribal music, lyrical arias, and archaic sounds with her unique and unmistakable style (we're talking about the 50s, when we were at most betting on Nilla Pizzi, with all due respect!), moreover introducing a taste for theatricality and choreography that was enviable at the time.

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 Yma Sumac was a Peruvian singer and actress with a remarkable vocal range of four or even five octaves, such that it is said that in the '50s she sang the highest note ever recorded by a female voice.

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