In the upcoming period, Mambo will focus on the different genres of popular Cuban dance music. In this 5th episode, we start with the “Charanga” genre, where the role of violins, flutes, and vocals stand out. The word “Charanga” is a variation of the word “orchestra”, also known as the musical formation.
During the independence struggle in Haiti in the early 19th century, many French colonists fled with their slaves, as well as their furniture and musical instruments, to eastern Cuba. Their dance was called “contradanza,” which soon became known as “contradanza” in Cuba. It was a group dance that became popular.
With the military bands, the contradanza eventually reached Havana. The first danzón was composed around 1880. This dance for couples would remain the most popular dance in Cuba for 40 years.
Orquesta Aragón was founded in 1939 and would be the example for later charangas for many years. Aragón is one of the most travelled and still existing orchestras. In the late 1950s, when many musicians left Cuba, the Charanga spread to New York City.
1 Jovenes del Ritmo
Israel Lopez
2 Blancas Margaritas
Orquesta Antonio Roneu & Barbarito Diez
3 Ojos de Sirena
Orquesta Antonio Roneu & Barbarito Diez
4 Si Sabes bailar mi son
Orquesta Aragón (foto)
5 Quen sabe, sabe
Orquesta Aragón
6 Tres Lindas Cubanas
Orquesta Aragón
7 Charanga
Orquesta Estrella de Cuba
8 Mi Lindo Guaguanco
Orquesta Estrella de Cuba
9 Goza mi Mambo
Orquesta Estrella de Cuba
10 Alardoso
Jorrin
11. Me lo Dijo Adela
Orquesta America
12 Pa’ Bailar
Orquesta Fajardo
13 Los Panchos de Atares
Orquesta Fajardo
14 Como Nueva York
Orquestra Broadway
15 La Fulo
Orquestra Broadway
