Conversations with Cachao

Commissioned by the prestigious Caramoor Music Festival and mainly built on elements of Cuban traditional music, Conversations with Cachao was conceived as a double concerto for contrabass, clarinet/alto sax & orchestra, and is comprised of three movements: Israel (which is Cachao’s first name), Guajira (a Cuban countryside type of music) and The Return (a fantasy on the mind of every exiled). The main theme of the work developed from the simple 4-note figure at the beginning of the first and final movements, which is Cachao’s best known and popular lick: G-C-Bb-C.

Cadenzas are not written at all (like in the good old times!), so the two soloists have to improvise them, even as a duet if they want.

The piece intends to reflect Israel López’s extraordinary sense of humor, as well as the eclectic career of the 88-year-young bassist, who has played everything from symphonies, operas and ballets, to silent movies, Jazz, the circus, dance parties and nightclubs.

As a bass player, bandleader and creator, Israel López Cachao epitomizes the very concept of versatility in a musician. He is a role model for the younger generations, and this concerto is a tribute to this legendary and most beloved member of our international music community.

Paquito D’Rivera
February 2007

Click here for an interview with Caramoor Festival’s General Manager Michael Barrett with Paquito D'Rivera and the late, great Cachao at the World Premiere of Paquito's Conversations with Cachao: http://www.caramoor.org/whatsnew/media