- Casséus composed this suite in 1953, and it was published by Ricordi in 1956.1
- This is one of several works Casséus recorded himself in 1954 in an album for Folkways Records entitled Haitian Dances.
- In that album’s original liner notes, Carol Capraro writes, “The Haitian Suite is a subtle blend of the many pulse beats that bring Haiti herself to life.”
- Originally composed for guitar, this suite was also arranged for cello and piano by Haitian composer Julio Racine.
Movements
- Petro. This movement is based on Haitian folk tunes.
- Yanvalou. The theme of this movement is taken from Fi nan bwa, a song in Haitian folk style composed by Casséus as part of his work Haïtiennesques.
- Mascaron. This movement is based on Haitian folk tunes. Its name is taken from a Haitian drum called the Mascaron, which is used in the Haitian Méringue dance.
- Combite. The theme of this movement is based on a song composed by Casséus and recorded by Harry Belafonte and accompanied by Casséus: Mèsi bon Dye.2
Sources
- Claude Dauphin, liner notes to Tambou Kache, Diana Golden, Shawn Chang, New Focus Recordings FCR 279, CD, 2020.
- Ibid.
Cut IDs
24112