La Corneta China: A Musical Symbol of Santiago de Cuba

Date

2024

Authors

Royle, Kevin

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Victoria

Abstract

Havana, Cuba’s capital, is often assumed to be the center and sole expression of Cuban culture (Boudreault-Fournier, 2008). This assumption is reflected in Western academia, which deprioritizes study of Eastern Cuba and its unique traditions. La corneta china, an instrument integral to the cultural institution of conga, is one such tradition. This project explores the historical and contemporary phenomenon of the Chinese Cornet’s iconic status in Eastern Cuba, particularly the city of Santiago de Cuba. I situate the historical contexts of the Chinese Cornet in comparsa and conga, two similar yet distinct Cuban musical traditions, as well as the origins of la corneta from Chinese immigration. In an interview with Roberto de Riva González, an expert Chinese Cornet Cuban player, I investigated how the residents of Santiago’s neighbourhoods practice the corneta tradition and claim the instrument as their own. La corneta china represents generations of musical traditions passed down in the neighbourhoods of Santiago, leading the conga and being a cornerstone of Oriente identity.

Description

Keywords

Latin America, Cuba, music, musical instrument, culture, Caribbean

Citation