Danzon
National dance of Cuba, evolved from danza.
Danzón
- Significance: Considered Cuba’s national dance.
- Premiered: 1879 in Matanzas by Miguel Faílde.
- Style: Elegant ballroom dance, derived from European contradance.
- Blend: European structure + Afro-Cuban rhythms.
- Structure: abacada
Instruments
Originally performed by orquesta típica:
Later, charangas took over: flute, violins, piano, bass, and timbales.
Rhythm:
- Built on a cinquillo rhythm (a syncopated five-note pattern).
- The dance has a slow, elegant tempo, often in 2/4 or 4/4 time.
🎶 Notable Figures
- Miguel Faílde – "father of danzón," composed the first known danzón: "Las Alturas de Simpson".
- Antonio María Romeu – legendary charanga leader who modernized danzón.
- Israel "Cachao" López – bassist and composer, helped develop danzón-mambo, bridging into Afro-Cuban jazz.
Modern Relevance
- Danzón is still performed today in Cuba and Mexico (especially Veracruz and Yucatán).
- It holds ceremonial and nostalgic value and is performed at traditional events.
- Some contemporary orchestras and dancers keep the danzón tradition alive with festivals and social dances.
Mambo
In Cuban music, especially in salsa and son,
the "mambo" section typically refers to a brassy, rhythmically intense instrumental break,
often featuring repetitive horn lines, call-and-response patterns, and building energy toward the climax of a song.
Mambo
In Cuban music, especially in salsa and son,
the "mambo" section typically refers to a brassy, rhythmically intense instrumental break,
often featuring repetitive horn lines, call-and-response patterns, and building energy toward the climax of a song.
National dance of Cuba, evolved from danza.
Lees meer >Form Breakdown (ABACADA)
A – Main Theme
- Graceful, lyrical melody in 2/4 (habanera feel).
- Introduces the character of the piece.
B – Contrasting Theme
- Different melody, lighter texture.
- Provides contrast, but still elegant.
A – Return of Main Theme
- Listeners recognize it, dancers reorient.
C – New Section
- Usually more playful, with syncopated rhythms.
- Contrast in mood and orchestration.
A – Main Theme again
- Keeps the piece grounded.
D – Montuno-like Section
- More rhythmic, sometimes featuring instrumental solos.
- Anticipates the later Cuban montuno style.
A – Final Return of Main Theme
- Brings closure and balance.
Lees meer >The following dances have their origin in Matanzas:
