Cuban Contradanzas & Danzones
tracklisting
Rotterdam
Conservatory Orquesta Tipica and Charanga Orchestra/Daniel Guzman/Enrique
Navarro (flute)
Nimbus
NI 7058-9 2CD [2hrs 8 mins]
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This double CD has given unexpected pleasure. Produced by the World Music
Department of Rotterdam Conservatory it provides learned fun. Bart Gruson
gives an absorbing 12 page disquisition on the origins of the dances, their
formal structures and the types of orchestra originally used, and the attempt
to come as close as possible to the authentic sound. A few substitutions
were necessary, e.g. tenor tuba for ophecleide. The research for material,
with the conductor, took a year's hunting in Cuba. Information is given on
the various, now obscure, composers. The charanga became popular in
the 1930s & 40s and declined in the 50s, and the second CD has a splendid
flute soloist, with an attractive line up of strings, timbales, conga, &
guiro. Antonio Maria Romeu has a charanga based upon familiar tunes
from The barber of Seville!
None of this is needed to enjoy these dances, and the enjoyment and expertise
of these students in mastering the style is evident throughout. Bright, forward
sound, well recorded. An oddity, but good to relax with and plenty to study
after listening if you're that way inclined.
Reviewer
Peter Grahame Woolf
