Role

:

Composer

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

Flores Chaviano was a Cuban classical music composer who was born on December 28, 1944, in Havana, Cuba. He was the son of a musician and grew up in a musical family. His father was a pianist and his mother was a singer, and they both encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Chaviano began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and music theory with his father. He later attended the National School of Music in Havana, where he studied composition with Harold Gramatges and Leo Brouwer. He also studied conducting with Manuel Duchesne Cuzán and piano with Frank Fernández. Chaviano's early works were influenced by the Cuban nationalist school of music, which emphasized the use of folk melodies and rhythms in classical music. His first major composition, "Suite Cubana," was written in 1967 and was based on Cuban folk music. The suite was well-received and helped establish Chaviano as a promising young composer. In the 1970s, Chaviano began to experiment with new musical styles and techniques. He was particularly interested in the use of electronic music and began incorporating electronic sounds into his compositions. His 1974 work "Música para un paisaje" was one of the first pieces of electronic music to be performed in Cuba. Chaviano's music continued to evolve throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He began to incorporate elements of jazz and rock music into his compositions, creating a unique blend of classical and popular music. His 1986 work "Concierto para guitarra y orquesta" was a particularly successful example of this fusion, featuring a virtuosic guitar solo and a driving rock rhythm. Chaviano's music was also influenced by his political beliefs. He was a committed Marxist and believed that music should serve the people and reflect the struggles of the working class. His 1989 work "Cantata para un tiempo nuevo" was a powerful expression of this belief, featuring lyrics that called for social justice and equality. Chaviano's music was widely performed in Cuba and he was considered one of the country's leading composers. He was also recognized internationally, winning awards and commissions from organizations such as the UNESCO International Rostrum of Composers and the International Society for Contemporary Music. Chaviano continued to compose music until his death on December 12, 2017, at the age of 72. His legacy as a composer and musician lives on, and his music continues to be performed and celebrated around the world.

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