Aaron Copland

Danzón Cubano

Cuba had been on Copland's mind for some time. A commission to write a piece for the Leage of Composers' 20th anniversary gave him the incentive to compose Danzón Cubano for two pianos. It is based on Cuban dance rhythms, particularly the danón, a stately dance, somewhat like the waltz. In two contrasting sections, Copland makes use of four Cuban dances with syncopated beats and polyrhythms. Copland explained, I did not attempt to reproduce an authentic Cuban sound, but felt free to add my own touches of displaced accents and unexpected silent beats.