The origin and development of Cuban popular music genres and their incorporation into academic compositions

Abstract

In the sixteenth century, Cuba became the host of two very diverse and different cultures. Here, European and African traditions met on a neutral ground where the interchange of rhythms, melodies, and musical forms became inevitable. Over the centuries, this mutual interaction gave birth to genres such as the contradaza, danza, danzón, son, conga, habanera, güajira, criolla, and trova. Despite the fact that these genres were born as dance and popular music, their rhythms and style started to be incorporated into the most refined realm of academic compositions. The purpose of this study is to explain the origin and evolution of the above mentioned genres. Moreover, with the aid of the accompanying recording, I will explain how some Cuban composers participated in the creation and development of these genres. Furthermore, I will show how some other composers where influenced by these genres and the way in which these genres were incorporated in their compositions.