063-Grandpa Quim didn't go to Cuba

In 1994 while playing in the group of habaneras "The voices of Besalú", I get from this grouping the commission to compose a new habanera for them using a text that was sent to them for such purpose.

The lyrics was of pacifist character, and related the fact of a person who decides to abandon the absurd of the war in favor of the peace deserting of the war of Cuba. So far all normal. I did the music, and we carried it in our concerts live with the group of habaneras that I have already mentioned to you.

The curious thing begins when in some towns, like Constantí, in the province of Tarragona, among others, the inclusion of this piece in our repertoire generates adversity and they ask us to remove it. In this case the mayor of the city had to interfere in our favor to sing it that night. And it's that the conservative or Spanish branch of the country felt offended by this letter, because of its Catalanist and pro-independence character, I suppose. As you may suppose this led to propaganda on the subject, and so we nterpreted it with much expectation over the years.

The great paradox comes when, after a few years, I already retired from the activity of interpreter of habaneras, I get home a new letter that the author had made to change the original of this topic, and this one would leave the ultra conservative branch of the country happy, since it even had pro-Franco character. I quickly contacted my musical editorial to stop this nonsense, and Mr. Picas, the author of the old and new lyrics, stopped it. Curious, isn't it? A lyric that had unleashed the anger among the conservatives, and it turns out that the author was more conservative than all of them, and I use the term conservative to try to be educated.

The theme begins in habanera and ends in a high end with the rhythm of sardana, under the suggestion of the good friend and director of the habanera group of Besalú during his best years, José María Bassols.

As a curious anecdote I will tell you that in this recording of the subject they allowed me to sing in a small section (... say no Catalans!), and maybe you will understand why I never sing my songs, since I haven't been gifted with a lucky voice.

L'avi Quim no va anar a Cuba

• Voices: Veus de Besalú
• Guitars: Josep Maria Godoy "Jotxin", Josep Reixach "Carmeta", Jordi Tonietti
• Double Bass: Jaume Moreno
• Keyboards: Paco Viciana

from Cd Each voice a kiss (1996)

 

 

Score in pdf: