[citation needed][1] As is common amongst musicians of the Paraguayan countryside, Pérez Cardozo learned the basics of playing from other harpists, without seeking tutelage from any one master.
[citation needed] In a short period of time, the individualistic style of Pérez Cardozo's interpretations of various compositions quickly gained him wide public recognition.
He wrote music for various verses of distinguished poets such as Víctor Montórfano ("Tetagua sapukái", a true anthem in which "grito del pueblo" (the shout of the people) claims better days for Paraguay) Antonio Ortiz Mayans ("Burrerita", "Pasionaria", "Puntanita", "Asunceña" y "Taperé"), Félix Fernández [es] ("Rosa"), Rigoberto Fontao Meza ("El arriero"), Andrés Pereira ("Mariposa mi"), the Argentine Hilario Cuadros ("Los sesenta granaderos", known throughout Argentina as a very popular Anthem.
), also the most important poet of Paraguayan history Emiliano R. Fernández, whose piece is seen as a pillar of Paraguayan epic music due to the rhythmic power, melodic beauty and patriotic content of the following texts ("1º de Marzo", "Che la reina (Ahama che china)", and the lovable song ("Oda pasional", "Oñondiveminte"), ("Desde la selva" y "Primavera").
Among his greatest harp compositions are found: The great "mitá guazú" (big boy) died suddenly in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 9 June 1952.