Some of the songs on this recording were discovered in abandoned basements, drawers, and trunks that had not been opened for decades, and some have never been previously recorded.
Cultural Impact
Lecuona founded the legendary popular band 'the Lecuona Cuban Boys', which toured the world for many years.
Composer Biography
Ernesto Lecuona, born in Cuba in 1895, composed over 400 songs, many film scores, orchestral works, chamber music, an opera, and numerous theatre works.
Cultural Impact
Maurice Ravel, the French composer, attended Lecuona's Paris recitals in 1928 and offered very complimentary comments about his music.
Compositional Technique
Lecuona's songs, while having mass appeal, showcase his classical training, a gift for sweet and unpredictable melodies, and the ability to create mood with the first few chords.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Lecuona's music uniquely fused Latin American popular rhythms with elements of jazz and Spanish harmonies, creating an unmistakable sound.
Interpretation
Pianist John Constable understood the special improvisatory character of Lecuona's music, as Lecuona seldom played the same piece twice in the same way.
