More than a song, it is actually an amazing instrumental composition. If not familiar with Latin American music, let me tell you that there is a wide range of music styles in our beloved continent. Not everything is Salsa, my friend.

Danzón was born in Cuba in the late years of the XIX century and the early XX century. Because of its neighborhood with Mexico, precisely at the Atlantic coast, the Mexican nation adopted the dance with joy and became very loved as it is a romantic and flirting approach for the dancers, full of lust, enchanting moves and passion.

The danzón (which literally would mean in Spanish something like “Big dance”) became popular in the region along the Gulf of Mexico, being Veracruz the most representative place of it (tho Tabasco and Campeche have good representatives too). However, the melody today is “Danzón No. 2” from the Maestro Arturo Márquez, the talented composer born in Sonora. Nowadays is this melody almost a symbol of Danzones and thus of Latin American music in general. No, it is not THE symbol, but it is for sure now a classic.

Many may not like Dudamel‘s version, as he uses to be very “fogozo” in his conduction. He gives another interpretation. Wagner would shit inward for sure if he hears Dudamel directing with his style, but we must not forget that this is a Danzón, a Latin American song and I personally think that Dudamel has taken it beyond and it is a real pleasure to listen to it.

Well, too much chit-chat. Following is my favorite version of Danzón No.2. Enjoy!