CUAUHNÁHUAC · Second version for symphony orchestra

Work information Autograph

Instrumental genre Music for symphony orchestra
Other versions: For string orchestra - First version for symphony orchestra
Place of composition
Mexico City
Date of composition
December 1932
Dedication
For Aurora
Premiere
June 2, 1933, Hidalgo Theater, Symphony Orchestra of Mexico, Cond. Silvestre Revueltas.
Duration
11’
Instrumentation
Picc, 2fl, 2ob, eh, cl[E♭], 2cl[B♭], bcl, 3bn / 4cor, 4tpt, 3tbn, tba/ timp, perc / strings
Documentary archive
The autograph has been preserved.
Texts by Revueltas about the works
The former name of Cuernavaca which means next to the woods. Music suggested by a word. Music without streets, without trees, and without tourists, which can suggest everything or nothing. Any bus not from Cuernavaca may carry even music without great danger. The score uses a huehuetl as a vehicle for nationalistic propaganda. The huehuetl is painted in the colors of the nation. At times, certain other instruments in the orchestra say more national things; these must be disregarded as anti-capitalist propaganda. (Text included in the program of the premiere of the second version of this work, in June 1933.)
Periodical references
Alvarado, Leo. “Notas musicales.” La Prensa (June 4, 1933).
Baqueiro Foster, G[erónimo]. “Crónicas musicales: Calurosa acogida se hizo a Cuauhnáhuac de Silvestre Revueltas.” Excélsior (June 3, 1933).
Kahan, Salomón. “Música: Carta abierta a Silvestre Revueltas.” El Universal Gráfico (November 3, 1933).
_______. “Música: Un aplauso y una aclaración.” El Universal Gráfico (December 12, 1933).
_______. “Música: La más completa 'Incompleta'. Bella obra de Revueltas.” El Universal Gráfico (June 6, 1933).
Publications
G. Schirmer, Inc.