Roque Cordero (1917–2008) in the United States [full paper]

Roque Cordero is universally acknowledged as Panama’s finest composer. Like many Latin American musicians of his generation, he was an energetic, visionary man of multiple talents that included composing, writing, conducting, and teaching. During his long career he was honored with numerous national and international commissions, awards, and recognitions. Most of his compositions are based on the twelve-tone technique, which he used with some freedom. He imparted Panamanian flavor to many of these works by his use of folk rhythms and his careful choice of pitch materials. Cordero was largely self-taught as a composer until, in 1943, he began seven years of musical study in the United States. In 1950 he returned to Panama, eager to improve music education in his country and create a truly professional symphony orchestra. During the next sixteen years, however, he faced a series of political and economic obstacles that were mitigated only slightly in 1957 when he gained international recognition as a composer. In 1966, frustrated and disappointed, he left Panama to accept a three-year post at Indiana University as assistant director of the Latin American Music Center and teacher of composition. After that he found other professional opportunities in the United States, where he spent the rest of his life. Nevertheless he remained loyal to his homeland, retaining his Panamanian citizenship and proudly signing his correspondence “Roque Cordero, Panamanian Composer.” This paper explores Cordero’s education, career, and reception, as well as the documentation of his work, in Panama and the United States