Composer

:

William Grant Still

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Dance

Compose Date

:

1948

Publication Date

:

1953

First Performance

:

May 21, 1948

Average_duration

:

13:08

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

"Danzas de Panama" is a suite of six dances composed by William Grant Still in 1948. The piece was premiered on May 23, 1948, by the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Artur Rodzinski. The suite is a tribute to the composer's Afro-Caribbean heritage and the music of Panama. The first movement, "Cumbia y Congo," is a lively dance that combines the rhythms of the cumbia and congo, two popular dances in Panama. The second movement, "Mejorana y Socavon," is a slower dance that features the use of the mejorana, a traditional Panamanian guitar. The third movement, "Punto," is a fast-paced dance that features the use of the tamborito, a traditional Panamanian drum. The fourth movement, "Cumbia de Media Noche," is a slow and sensual dance that is meant to be danced at midnight. The fifth movement, "Jota," is a lively dance that features the use of castanets and is reminiscent of Spanish folk music. The final movement, "Danza," is a fast-paced dance that combines elements of the cumbia and tamborito. The characteristics of "Danzas de Panama" are its use of traditional Panamanian rhythms and instruments, as well as its incorporation of elements of Spanish folk music. The suite is also notable for its use of syncopation and polyrhythms, which give the music a lively and energetic feel. Overall, "Danzas de Panama" is a vibrant and colorful tribute to the music and culture of Panama.

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