Estudio de tres de las Seis Danzas Afro-cubanas de Ernesto Lecuona: Influencia Afro en las Danzas Afro-cubanas de Ernesto Lecuona: ¿Realidad o Espejismo?

Abstract

This research paper attempts to track the Afro-descendant influence on three of the Six Danzas Afro-Cubanas suite by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona. By the means of musical analysis and the understanding of the political, cultural and historical environment of Lecuona’s time, an inquiry about the presence of afro rhythmic, melodic, stylistic elements on La Conga de la Media Noche, …Y la negra bailaba! y La Comparsa have been made. The study is based on comprehensive specialized bibliography on Cuban music: it’s origins, distinctive genres, the transculturation of creole and afro worlds as Ortiz calls it, and an extensive context of how and why the milieu where Lecuona and his work took place. The findings show the presence of musical resources that draw both from popular Afro-Cuban genres and their associated cultural practices. This shows that these dances are not mere circumstantial creations, but a byproduct of tradition and multicultural identity and the island’s academic music merging in a genuine artistic expression.