52. Sleepless in Havanna? Gershwin - Cuban Overture
George Gershwin spent two hectic weeks on holiday in Cuba and returned with a case full of percussion instruments, latin spirit and musical inspiration.
The resulting Cuban Overture became an instant hit.
Total listening time c14 mins (3'30" podcast, 10' music)
The music:
There’s a fab concert performance on Youtube, with the Teresa Carreño Symphony Orchestra - one of Venezuela's top youth orchestras, playing with great style - check out the easy enjoyment of the percussionists. Youth Orchestras and classical music are a big deal in Venezuela, using music as a vehicle for social change in disadvantaged communities, thanks to a system (actually called The System - El Sistema) which has now been copied across the world.
My Spotify recommendation is the Dallas Symphony Orchestra conducted by AndrewLitton
The 1930s Cuban hit, Echale salsita by Septeto Naconal De Ignacio Pineiro is on youtube too.
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