Preciosa (song)

"Preciosa"
Single by Rafael Hernández Marín
Released 1937
Format
Recorded 1937
Genre bolero
Length 03:36[1]
Label Sony Discos
Writer(s) Rafael Hernández Marín

"Preciosa" (English: Precious) is a 1937 patriotic composition by Puerto Rican composer Rafael Hernández Marín.

History

In 1937, Hernández Marin wrote "Preciosa", while in Mexico.[2] Years later, in 1947, he returned to Puerto Rico and became orchestra director at the government-owned WIPR Radio.[3] His music became an important part of Puerto Rican culture.[4] Hernandez formed Cuarteto Victoria (Victoria Quartet) with Pedro Ortiz Dávila, Rafael Rodríguez, and Franciso López Cruz with whom he recorded the song.[5] A Puerto Rican group led by Manuel A. Jiménez (“Canario”) recorded Hernández’s Preciosa, which, together with Lamento Borincano became unofficial national anthems of Puerto Rico.[6]

Theme

Preciosa expressed feelings of love and nostalgia for Puerto Rico but also the discontent regarding the poor economy prevalent on the island at the time.[7] The work was an idealistic view of the people of Puerto Rico in terms of traits of Hispanic and Indian traditions but missing the African dimension. The song made reference to a tyrant who ruled Puerto Rico and it became a favorite song of autonomist patriotism.[8]

Recordings

External audio
You may listen to Luciano Quiñones piano interpretation of Hernandez Marin's "Preciosa" here

Following is a partial listing of recordings of the song by artists, alphabetically (incomplete).

References

  1. ↑ Exitos de Oro de Puerto Rico. Rafael Hernandez. Orfeon/EMMI.]
  2. ↑ Rafael Hernandez Marin. Retrieved 7 February 2014.
  3. ↑ Hernandez Marin, Rafael. Music of Puerto Rico. Retrieved 7 February 2014.
  4. ↑ History of Puerto Rico. Soy Boricua. Retrieved 7 February 2014.
  5. ↑ Ayala, César J. and Rafael Bernabe. Puerto Rico in the American Century: A History Since 1898. Chapel Hill, NC: The University of North Carolina Press, 2007. pp. 163-67.
  6. ↑ Ayala, César J. and Rafael Bernabe. Puerto Rico in the American Century: A History Since 1898. Chapel Hill, NC: The University of North Carolina Press, 2007. pp. 163-67.
  7. ↑ Glasser, Ruth. My Music is My Flag: Puerto Rican Musicians and Their New York Communities, 1917-1940. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1995. p. 2.
  8. ↑ Ayala, César J. and Rafael Bernabe. Puerto Rico in the American Century: a History Since 1898. Chapel Hill, NC: The University of North Carolina Press, 2007. pp. 132.
  9. ↑ "Romance Del Cumbanchero – La Musica de Rafael Hernández". Amazon.com. Retrieved October 8, 2011.
  10. ↑ Paroles: Cecilia Cara, Preciosa. Retrieved 7 February 2014.
  11. ↑ Vicente Fernández: Preciosa. on YouTube Retrieved 7 February 2014.
  12. ↑ Exitos de Oro de Puerto Rico. Rafael Hernandez. Orfeon/EMMI.]
  13. ↑ Lo Mejor de Rafael Hernandez.
  14. ↑ Los Andinos: Homenaje a Rafael Hernandez, con Carmín Vega. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
  15. ↑ Trio Voces de Puerto Rico.
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