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Structure, rhythm and harmony in the Spanish and Cuban danzas of Ernesto Lecuona
Author
Tan, Adeline Li Jen
Abstract
Emesto Lecuona is considered one of the most important contributors to Cuban music. He wrote mainly in the popular vein, infusing Spanish and Cuban elements with western art forms. This is best seen in his piano music. This paper focuses on his piano works - namely, his Andalucian Suite, Danzas Afro-Cubanas, Danzas Cubana, and 19Ih Century Cuban Dances.
Though the forms that are applied in the works are straightforward, Lecuona does however expand the notion of the traditional danza. This, he does by experimenting with bichordal and bimodal juxtapositions, atypical scales and altered dominants, combining these elements with the traditional modes frequently found in Andalucian and Cuban music.
A common thread in all of his works is the heavy emphasis on rhythm as seen in his use of the rumba, conga, nanigos, habanera, hemiola and other dance rhythms characteristic of the music of Cuba. The study shows that some of these rhythms are also further extended and modified in its application. It is the aim of the present work to lay the groundwork for further in-depth analytical study of Lecuona's music.
Though the forms that are applied in the works are straightforward, Lecuona does however expand the notion of the traditional danza. This, he does by experimenting with bichordal and bimodal juxtapositions, atypical scales and altered dominants, combining these elements with the traditional modes frequently found in Andalucian and Cuban music.
A common thread in all of his works is the heavy emphasis on rhythm as seen in his use of the rumba, conga, nanigos, habanera, hemiola and other dance rhythms characteristic of the music of Cuba. The study shows that some of these rhythms are also further extended and modified in its application. It is the aim of the present work to lay the groundwork for further in-depth analytical study of Lecuona's music.
Date Issued
2004
Call Number
ML410.L411 Tan
Date Submitted
2004