Came across this wonderful video featuring some danzas by Ludovic Lamothe. My favorite is "Danza No. 4 in A minor" and the first piece. It is so magical to hear more black classical composers' music from Haiti online, particularly the "Black Chopin" Lamothe! There are hints of the Caribbean in the music, but it's not as self-evident as Lamothe's other work. Regardless, it recalls the stately danza of Puerto Rico at times, particularly compositions by Juan Morel Campos, an Afro-Boricua who wrote gems such as "Mi perla," "Consuelo," and "Maldito Amor." Of course, any similarities in the danza of Puerto Rico and Haitian mereng and other genres can probably be traced to Cuban influences in the second half of the 19th century, as well as an obvious shared Afro-Caribbean past and musical legacy. Before you leave, check out "Margarita," too, one of the most beautiful danzas of Puerto Rico and composed by a 'father' of the genre in the 19th century (this is a great version and so is this one as well as this one featuring Julita Ross).
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