IGNACIO CERVANTES (1847-1905)
Ignacio Cervantes was a well known composer and pianist from Havana, Cuba, born in 1847. He studied in Paris, and worked with composers such as Gottschalk, and Nicolas Ruiz Espadero. One of his great teachers was Gottschalk who was influential in the ways of his musical styles and ideas. Cervantes became known as one of the many pioneers of Native Cuban concert music. His musical theme was elegant and melodic and was consistent to most of the music heard in his time of traditional Spanish music. Best known were his works of Danzas Cubanas.
Discography:
For a complete list you can go to Naxos Music Library.
Adiós a Cuba
Amistad (friendship)
Dance no more
Danzas Cubanas for piano 1890
Soledad 1895
Zig Zags
Record Label: Concerto/Catalogue # CD 2054
AMADEO ROLDAN (1900-1939)
Roldan was born in Paris in 1900. His studies took him to Madrid Conservatory where he studied the violin. While there he won the Sarasate Prize. He moved to Havana, Cuba in 1921 and became a very well known performer, composer, and teacher. Roldan worked as director to the Municipal Conservatory in Music. He created programs and guided changes that allowed it to continue to teach other important musicians that studied there. Years later the Municipal Conservatory in music was renamed the Amadeo Roldan Conservatory. Roldan’s music was creative and he composed with Afro-Cuban music rhythms and incorporated black Cuban folklore music into his compositions. Roldan died in Havana in 1939.
Discography:
La rebambaramba
Ritmicas V, VI (1930)
Recording Company: Dorian Sono Luminus/Catalogue # DOR-90245
JULIAN ORBON (1925-1991)
Orbon was not primarily born in Cuba, but in Aviles, Spain. He later moved to Cuba to compose music after studying at the Conservatory of Oviedo. 1942-1949 he began his career as a music essayist, music critic and pianist. He joined the Grupode Renovacion. From 1946-1960 Orbon directed at the Orbon conservatory in Havana. In 1967 he received an award from the American Arts & Letters for his teaching capabilities and talents. His musical style is consistent with the Spanish-Cuban Music rhythm, and he occasionally included “white” Cuban & Afro-Cuban rhythms.
Discography:
Concerto grosso (1958)
Symphonic Dances (Danzas Sinfonicas) (1956)
Three Symphonic Versions (1954)
Record Company: Label Dorian/ Catalogue # DOR-90178
Prelude y Danza (1951)
Cantigas del rey (1960)
Himnus ad galli cantum (1956)
Recording Label Dorian Sono Luminos/Catalogue # DOR90214
ERNESTO LECUONA (1896-1963) Lecuona was born in Guanabacoa, which is in Eastern Cuba. He came from a musical family. He learned to the play the piano and wrote his first song at the young age of 11. In 1913 he graduated from the National Conservatory in Havana. He received a first prize as well as a gold medal for his works. He is mainly known as a dance band leader called “Lecuona’s Cuban Boys.” He toured throughout Latin America, Europe and the U.S. A good portion of Lecuona’s life was spent in New York where he worked and performed. The musical works Lecuona is consistent with was White Peasant and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Lecuona died in 1963 in Tenerife, Spain.
Discography: For a complete list of Ernesto Lecuona’s works go to Naxos Music Library, or www.lecuona.com/disco.html Some pieces include:
Danzas Afro Cubanas 1934
Estampas Infantiles- Diary of a Child: The moon lights up. 1949
Piezas Caracteristicas
Valses Fantisticos
These songs are from the EMI classics recording company. Catalogue # 0724355680358
Bibliography:
Olsen, D., &Sheehy. “The Garland Handbook of Latin American Music.” Garland Publishing, 2008.
Oxford Music Online
Naxos Music Library
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