There is something deeply human about the sound of the Venezuelan cuatro. Its four strings have carried serenades across the llanos, echoed through the hands of street musicians in Caracas, and in recent years have found a home on stages around the world. This week, the heartbeat of Venezuela’s folk traditions will resound in Spain as two of the instrument’s greatest ambassadors, C4 Trío and Jorge Glem, share their art with audiences.
C4 Trío: Three Cuatros and a Bass
C4 Trío was born in 2005 when cuatristas Jorge Glem, Edward Ramírez and Héctor Molina joined forces with bassist Gustavo Márquez. Their unique formation—three cuatros and an electric bass—opened the door to a sound rooted in Venezuelan folk yet infused with jazz, world music and pop. Over the years, the group has collaborated with artists like Rubén Blades, Gualberto Ibarreto and Luis Enrique, and their album De Repente earned them a Latin Grammy. These accolades are a testament to their ability to reimagine the cuatro for global audiences.
This week, C4 Trío will perform twice in Spain.
- Friday, 12 September: Festival Teresa de Bolívar in Teror, Gran Canaria, at 21:45.
- Sunday, 14 September: A special 20th anniversary concert at Teatro Pavón in Madrid, starting at 20:30 (doors open at 20:00).
Their shows promise a journey through two decades of innovation, from the early explorations of young cuatristas to the polished virtuosity that has taken them across international stages.
For listeners, these performances are more than concerts; they are communal celebrations of heritage and creativity. When three cuatros lock into a fast joropo groove and the bass adds a funk-inflected line, you hear centuries of Venezuelan tradition meeting the curiosity of modern musicians. This spirit has made C4 Trío a cornerstone of contemporary Venezuelan music.
Jorge Glem: Solo Journeys, Shared Roots
In addition to his work with C4 Trío, Jorge Glem has built a reputation as one of the world’s finest cuatristas. Critics highlight the way he blends the rhythms of traditional Venezuelan music with the soulful versatility of the cuatro, creating a musical experience that is both percussive and melodic. One moment he makes the instrument sound like a drum, the next like a harp.
On Sunday, 14 September, Glem will also present an intimate solo show in Madrid. While it coincides with C4 Trío’s anniversary concert, his performance offers a different window into the cuatro’s possibilities. Expect to travel from the Venezuelan plains to the streets of New York as Glem moves effortlessly between joropo, salsa and jazz, interweaving tradition with improvisation.
Watching Jorge Glem perform is to witness a dialogue between past and present. Each plucked note carries the warmth of Venezuelan family gatherings, while each syncopated rhythm reflects the urban energy of Latin America’s modern cities. He reminds us that the cuatro is not just an accompaniment instrument but a storyteller in its own right.
A Call to Listeners
If you are in Spain this weekend, let the cuatro guide your steps. Join the crowd in Teror as C4 Trío turns the plaza into a dance floor, or sit down in Madrid and let their twenty-year journey sweep you away. Stay a little longer and hear Jorge Glem’s fingers dance across the fretboard, drawing out ancient rhythms with fresh energy. Even if you cannot be there in person, you can explore their music through recordings and online lessons.
At TuCuatro, we believe that learning an instrument is not just about technique, but about connecting with culture. The cuatro’s voice is the heartbeat of Venezuela’s folk traditions, playful yet profound. By supporting artists like C4 Trío and Jorge Glem, we keep that heartbeat strong and invite the world to listen. Whether you are a beginner strumming your first chords or a seasoned musician searching for inspiration, there is a place for you in this story. Explore our courses and resources, share your journey, and help keep the music alive.
