Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba
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Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba is a guitar suite with 6 parts, from the 4th year of guitar. It is a sound post car which recall moment or element of this carnival.
I. Ouverture: "Like a dreams... comes... true" : 3 different tempi.
II. La Comparsa de los Muñecones: the group (comparsa) of the muñecones (giant dolls) is dancing as it can do it and it gives an double impression of grace and of awkwardness.
III. Cuba e Cuba: tune with several voices and incredible intervalles.
IV. Carnavalito: obstinated rhythmes
V. La corneta china: it is a Cuban traditional wind instrument, is actually the Chinese suona, an instrument introduced to Cuba by Chinese immigrants during the colonial period (specifically the late nineteenth century). This instrument is an integral part of the comparsa (carnival musical ensemble). His shrill tone can cover the volume of the percussions.
VI. Montuno: syncopated and repetitive section which permits the improvisation.
Ouverture - La Comparsa de los Muñecones - Cuba e Cuba - Carnavalito - La corneta china - Montuno
A suite of six "musical postcards", this is full of appealing syncopated rhythms and jazzy harmonic ideas. An "Ouverture", a short journey from rubato dreaming to a forte reality, sets the scene well. Minimal fingering presents a clear score.
The aesthetics are marred only by a few anomalies: the first piece has an unnecessary sharp accidental on G in bar 20 (the A major key signature is clear throughout and there has been no G natural for eight bars, with four G sharps since). Some clumsy setting squashes notes in a small cluster chord and beams collide with leger lines.
An ostinato bass line permeates the second piece. The third offers time signature changes, syncopation and major 7th harmonies, punctuated by a chromatic chord. Carnival atmosphere is evoked after this, followed by a haunting piece before the final "Montuno", a melodic piece with tender harmony. This should bring joy to many intermediate guitarists.
Al Summers
Music Teacher Magazine (Nov. 2017)
