Musical Smiles : The Cuban Contradanza and its Impact on Latin American Music

This study examines the influence of the Cuban contradanza, paying special interest on the lives of two Cuban figures who advanced the form most: Manuel Saumell (1818-1870) and Ignacio Cervantes (1847-1905). The document will begin with an introduction to Cuba in the nineteenth century in order to learn about the environment in which these two composers were forged. Next, the history of the contradanza will be assessed, detailing how the dance was performed and how the music was structured. Following this, the lives of Saumell and Cervantes will be detailed, from their biographies and training to the danzas which they wrote. This study will also assess the impact of the contradanza throughout the Caribbean, United States, and elsewhere