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Cuban Contradanzas & Danzones
tracklisting
Rotterdam Conservatory Orquesta Tipica and Charanga Orchestra/Daniel Guzman/Enrique Navarro (flute)
Nimbus NI 7058-9 2CD [2hrs 8 mins] [mid-price]


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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

 


Reviewer

Peter Grahame Woolf


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