May 21, 2005
Cuban Music at Cuba Nostalgia
One of the great things about shows like Cuba Nostalgia is the wide variety of culture on display for all to see. Cuba, in its time prior to the revolution, was a such a vibrant cultural center in the Americas that it influenced music around the world -- in inverse proportion to its size.
We have several exhibitors here at Cuba Nostalgia who sell books and CDs covering all types of Cuban and Cuban-influenced music. I just purchased a biography of the great Cuban composer Amadeo Roldan, and (finally) my own copy in Spanish of Alejo Carperntier's classic study of Cuban music, La Musica en Cuba, that was recently translated and published in English.
As a life-long student of musical history I can say with certainty that the totality of what Cuban music is almost unknown in the world. Cuban music is not just the Buena Vista Social Club -- that sad and pathetic attempt to popularize Cuban music here in the states using unknown musicians on the island when the true (exiled) masters of the form languished in obscurity here in Miami and elsewhere -- it is Manuel Saumell (the father of Cuban music, who brought into popular use the rhythms that were prevalent throughout the island), Beny More, Machito, Alejandro Caturla, Ignacio Cervantes, Celia Cruz, Cachao, El Trio Matamoros, Paquito O'Farrill. Amadeo Roldan, who I previously mentioned, is one of the most original twentieth century composers of serious music, yet he is all but unknown, even in those circles that should know better.
Anyone who studies -- and especially listens to -- Cuban music comes away with the feeling that only a free and vibrant culture could produce a great body of popular music with song lyrics approaching poetry, and serious music that fused so many of the musical flavors that were heard on the island.
Have a listen. You will not be disappointed.
Posted by George Moneo at May 21, 2005 11:38 AM
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Comments
To understand the power of the Cuban Music you have only to get to one of the booths over there at the Convention and see the ladies following the rithm with their bodies... while selling funeral plans!
Posted by: Roberto at May 21, 2005 04:59 PM
