Two Pieces for Bassoon and Piano by Paquito D' Rivera (Cuba) * English Version

mayo 14, 2021

Two Pieces for Bassoon and Piano by Paquito D' Rivera (Cuba) * English Version

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Hi everyone! Today the sound of the bassoon travels in time, that begins in Venezuela and ends in Cuba, tells us a story from the 19th century with the two pieces for Bassoon and Piano by

Paquito D 'Rivera.

The first piece for bassoon and piano is called "Danza Venezolana" is a beautiful tribute that the composer makes to the country of Venezuela, writing his piece in the most representative musical genre of this country, which is the "Vals Venezolano", the piano gives the beginning of the music, in the rhythm of a waltz with a subtle and brief introduction to the entrance of the bassoon.

The bassoon, with a beautiful melody, begins in an upbeat which invites dance; As the piece progresses, we can notice interesting variations in the melodic line and small harmonic changes, the piece rapidly develops, and simultaneously with the bassoon, the piano determines the rhythm of the waltz and advances with beautiful melodies typical of the "Vals Venezolano" in the accompaniment, and so the music continues to the end.

The"Vals Venezolano" arrived in the country in the mid-19th century from Europe, but soon after it acquired its own identity, although respecting the formal structure of the traditional waltz, with a variation influenced by the music of the interior of the country such as African music and Andina, all this results in beautiful dances written by great Venezuelan composers such as the famous pianist Teresa Carreño and Antonio Lauro, among others.

The second piece for Bassoon and Piano is called "Contradanza", an ending of the work inspired by Cuba, the piano, as in the previous piece begins with a brief rhythmic introduction typical of the "Contradanza", the bassoon develops the melody that invites to the dance while the piano accompanies with an accentuated rhythm, the piece develops rapidly with repetitions on the principal theme until it concludes.

The "Contradanza", as well as the "Vals Venezolano", are variations, adaptations, and interpretations of musical genres from Europe, both arrived in Latin America in the 19th century, becoming a musical and cultural expression, the "Contradanza" mixes African rhythms and Songs typical of the region, it is said that the "Danzón" and the famous "Cha Cha Chá" are derived from it.

Paquito D' Rivera

Composer

Mr. Paquito D 'Rivera was born in Cuba, with only 10 years old, he played with the National Theater Orchestra, began his musical studies at the Conservatory of Music of Havana when he had 17 years old, he became an outstanding soloist of the National Symphony from Cuba.

His international fame begins with founding the innovative musical group "Irakere" with an explosive mix of jazz, rock, classical and traditional Cuban music, this music never heard before, throughout his career, he has made extensive tours around the world, and he has won multiple GRAMMY nominations for his albums, including more than 30 solo albums.

Maestro Paquito D 'Rivera is one of the most influential musicians in Latin America, bringing in his compositions the fusion and musical legacy of the American Continent.

Cai Quirk

Bassoonist

The bassoonist Cai Quirk is a prominent student at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music, with an interest in Latin American, classical, and new music. Cai Quirk began his bassoon studies at nine years old in the Ithaca College, New York, with professors Christin Schillinger, Ed Gobrecht, and Lee Goodhew Room.

Alternating his studies of bassoon, he also studies at the Ezquenazi School of Fine Arts photography being his principal focus. You can learn a little more about this talented bassoonist and his wonderful work in music and photography at the following link: https://caiquirk.com.

Thank you very much for joining me on this musical and cultural trip of musical rhythms and genres that are transformed and become the identity of the Latin American people!

See you next week in Brazil!