Harmony and Normalization: US-Cuban Musical Diplomacy

Storhoff, Timothy P. Harmony and Normalization: US-Cuban Musical Diplomacy. Jackson, MS: University Press of Mississippi, 2020.

Pre-Order now! Expected to ship November 2020.

Use the links below to access streaming playlists of the music discussed in the book.

Introduction

OFAC Cuba Resource Center on the U.S. Department of Treasury website

  • The Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba building in Vedado.
  • The percussion rehearsal and storage room.
  • The percussion rehearsal and storage room.
  • Author rehearsing with the 2011 FolkCuba percussion class.
  • Author rehearsing with the 2011 FolkCuba percussion class.
  • 2011 FolkCuba dance class.
  • The public performance at the end of the 2011 FolkCuba classes.
  • The public performance at the end of the 2011 FolkCuba classes.
  • The public performance at the end of the 2011 FolkCuba classes.
2011 FolkCuba Images

Chapter 1

Havana Jam 1979
Dizzy Gillespie in CubaArturo Sandoval and Dizzy Gillespie in 1985 (Clip from A Night in Havana)
Audioslave in CubaAudioslave: Live in Cuba documentary trailer

Chapter 2

Paz Sin Fronteras/Peace Without Borders concert clipsOrishas Performance
Juanes Closing Set
13 Million Voices film trailer
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 2010 visit to CubaBehind the Scenes in Cuba Part 1
Behind the Scenes in Cuba Part 2
Live in Cuba album (Spotify, YouTube)
Tania LeónInterview – Composer portrait
Interview – “Alma”
Jay-Z’s response to criticism of his Cuba visit“Open Letter”
CNN Story on Jay-Z controversy
Voices from the HeartVoices from the Heart Cuba fundraising video

Chapter 3

National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba 2012 Tour Locations
1. Kansas City, MO8. Schenectady, NY15. Daytona Beach, FL
2. Urbana, IL9. Bronx, NY16. St. Augustine, FL
3. Ames, IA10. Union, NJ17. Naples, FL
4. Rockville, MD11. Danville, VA18. Tampa, FL
5. Buffalo, NY12. Newport News, VA19. St. Petersburg, FL
6. Allentown, PA13. Opelika, AL20. Fort Pierce, FL
7. Worcester, MA14. Aiken, SC21. West Palm Beach, FL

National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba audience Q&A clip

National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba U.S. Tour Locations and Repertoire (PDF)Download

Pieces Performed in order of frequency*
(Does not include national anthems, encores, or the Ybor City chamber music concert)

  • 21 – Gershwin – Cuban Overture (1932)
  • 18 – Lecuona – “La Comparsa” (1912)
  • 12 – Beethoven – Symphony No. 5 (1808)
  • 11 – Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue (1924)
  • 10 – Mendelssohn – Symphony No. 4 (1833)
  • 5 – López-Gavilán – Guaguancó (1985)
  • 3 – Herrera – Tribute to Lecuona (2004)
  • 2 – Rachmaninoff – Piano Concerto No. 2 (1901)
  • 2 – Marín – Danzón “El Médico de Pianos” (1995)
  • 1 – Schubert – Symphony No. 5 (1819)
  • 1 – Mendelssohn – Violin Concerto in E minor (1844)

Chapter 4

Vedado map with Jazz Festival venues
ACasa de Cultura de Plaza (2012 Havana Jazz Plaza Festival venue)
BMelia Cohiba Hotel and Bar  (2012 Havana Jazz Plaza Festival venue)
CTeatro Mella/Jardines de Mella (2012 Havana Jazz Plaza Festival venue)
DTeatro Bertolt Brecht (2012 Havana Jazz Plaza Festival venue)
EConjunto Foklórico Nacional (location of July 2011 FolkCuba International Laboratories)
FCasa Amparo (casa particular where I stayed for the 2012 Havana Jazz Plaza Festival)
GCasa Carlos y Neyda (casa particular where I stayed for the 2011 FolkCuba International Laboratories)
HHotel Presidente
IU.S. Interests Section
JHotel Nacional

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Major Lazer’s 2016 Cuba concertGive Me Future documentary (available exclusively on Apple Music)
The Rolling Stones 2016 Cuba concertHavana Moon documentary (Trailer, Amazon Video)
Olé Olé Olé!: A Trip Across Latin America documentary (Trailer, Netflix)
U.S. Cultural Delegation to CubaOfficial Delegation to Cuba (PDF)
NEA Cultural Agreements Press Release


Musicians Across the Straits photos

Epilogue

New York Times documentary on sonic attacks in CubaView on New York Times
Opening performances of the Kennedy Center’s “Artes de Cuba” festivalView on YouTube