Cuban bass virtuoso and musicologist Antonio Gómez Sotolongo will delve into one of the most controversial topics in Cuban music lore to unravel the allegations on both sides of the fence as to the true composer of the legendary song Guantanamera. To hopefully settle the score once and for all, the audiovisual presentation will include a detailed analysis, 
on the one hand, of the tune composed by Joseíto Fernández (1908-1979), pictured above, which he recorded in 1940 under the generic title Guajira guantanamera, and which became popularized through décimas repentistas; and, on the other hand, the song composed by Julián Orbón (1925-1991), pictured right, with verses by José Martí, known simply as Guantanamera, which Pete Seeger debuted on June 8, 1963 in Carnegie Hall. Mr. Gómez Sotolongo will also shed light on the reasons why, fifty-four years later, many still passionately insist on defining Orbon’s version as a mere adaption of Fernández’s melody.
The presentation will be held entirely in Spanish, and will be followed by a Q & A with the audience.
BARUCH COLLEGE
25th Street, bet. Lexington and Third Aves., NYC
6th FLOOR: CONFERENCE ROOM 6-210
SPACE IS LIMITED
Free Admission
All who wish to attend must RSVP at: cccofny@aol.com
By popular demand, after a full-house event, we are happy to provide a link to Prof. Sotolongo’s article:
http://Tientos y diferencias de la Guantanamera compuesta por Julián Orbón. Política Cultural de la revolución cubana de 1959.
Antonio Gómez Sotolongo (1954) is a graduate of the Instituto Superior de Arte de La Habana,and has a Masters in Musical Research from the UniversidadInternacional de Valencia (VIU). Since 1991 he is Principal Bass at the National Symphonic Orchestra of the Dominican Republic. His articles have appeared in numerous media outlets and academic journals. His titles includeSin embargo son, con embargo salsa; Al son son y al vino vino; Del areito a la timba, among others. He presently resides in Santo Domingo.
This event is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
With the promotional collaboration of
