Three Dances for the Cuban Tres

Ensemble:

Solo Tres

Duration:

5 minutes

Performance Notes:

The tres is a three-course chordophone, with 6 strings tuned in pairs. The instrument has its roots in Cuba and has significance in the growth of traditional Cuban music.

Three Dances for the Cuban Tres was written with the mission to add new repertoire for the instrument and was commissioned by Rolando Gomez. The piece is structured that there are 3 consecutive movements, or dances, and a final reprise of the 1st dance. Elements of traditional Cuban music is called on, and utilizes the inherently percussive and rhythmic nature common in tres performance.