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{{short description|Cuban musician (1876-1955)}}
'''Antonio María Romeu Marrero''' ([[Jibacoa, Cuba]], 11 September 1876 &ndash; [[Havana]] 18 January 1955) was a Cuban pianist, composer and [[bandleader]]. His orchestra was Cuba's leading [[Charanga (Cuba)|charanga]] for over thirty years, specializing in the [[danzón]].<ref>Giro, Radamés 2007. ''Diccionario encyclopédico de la música en Cuba''. vol 4, La Havana. p84 </ref>
{{Infobox musical artist
⚫
| name = Antonio María Romeu
| image = Antonio Maria Romeu.jpg
| caption =
| landscape =
| birth_name = Antonio María Romeu Marrero
| alias =
| birth_date = {{birth date|1876|9|11|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Jibacoa]], Cuba
| death_date = {{death date and age|1955|1|18|1876|9|11|mf=y}}
| death_place = [[Havana]], Cuba
| origin =
| instrument = [[Piano]]
| genre = [[Danzón]]
| occupation = Musician, bandleader, composer, arranger
| years_active =
| label = [[Panart]]
| associated_acts = Orquesta Cervantes, [[Barbarito Díez]]
| website =
| notable_instruments =
⚫
}}
'''Antonio María Romeu Marrero''' (11 September 1876 &ndash; 18 January 1955) was a Cuban pianist, composer and [[bandleader]]. His orchestra was Cuba's leading [[Charanga (Cuba)|charanga]] for over thirty years, specializing in the [[danzón]].<ref>Giro, Radamés 2007. ''Diccionario encyclopédico de la música en Cuba''. vol 4, La Havana. p. 84</ref> Throughout his career he was popularly known as ''El Mago de las Teclas'' (The Keyboard Magician).<ref name="ALS">{{cite book|last1=Ledón Sánchez|first1=Armando|title=La música popular en Cuba|date=2003|publisher=Intelibooks|location=Oakland, CA|pages=55–56|isbn=9780932367150|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7HxAshLVpToC|language=Spanish}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Shepherd|editor1-first=John|editor2-last=Horn|editor2-first=David|title=Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World, Volume 9|date=2014|publisher=Bloomsbury|location=London, UK|page=274|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=liV8AwAAQBAJ|chapter=Danzón|isbn=9781441132253}}</ref>


== Life & work ==
== Life and career ==
Romeu studied music in 1884 with Joaquín Mariano Martínez, and practiced the piano at a local church by the beach in Jibacoa. At twelve he played at his first dance, and composed his first work. In 1899 he moved to Havana and played in cafés. He was invited to play in the ''Orquesta Cervantes'', one of several charangas founded at the beginning of the 1900s. Charangas supplanted the [[Orquesta típica|típicas]] as the standard instrumental line-up for the danzón. Initially called ''charangas francesas'' (though they have nothing to do with France), they were 'invented' at the start of the 20th century. The basic idea was to pitch the tone of the orchestra higher and brighter than the típica, by removing the brass, replacing the clarinet with a flute and replacing the kettle drums with a new invention, the ''[[pailas criollas]]'', now called [[timbales]]. The ''Orquesta Cervantes'' is the earliest known charanga to have included a piano.
Romeu studied music in 1884 with Joaquín Mariano Martínez, and practiced the piano at a local church by the beach in [[Jibacoa]]. At twelve he played at his first dance, and composed his first work. In 1899 he moved to [[Havana]] and played in cafés. He was invited to play in the Orquesta Cervantes, one of several charangas founded at the beginning of the 1900s. Charangas supplanted the [[Orquesta típica|típicas]] as the standard instrumental line-up for the danzón. Initially called ''charangas francesas'' (though they have nothing to do with France), they were 'invented' at the start of the 20th century. The basic idea was to pitch the tone of the orchestra higher and brighter than the típica, by removing the brass, replacing the clarinet with a flute and replacing the kettle drums with a new invention, the ''[[pailas criollas]]'', now called [[timbales]]. Orquesta Cervantes is the earliest known charanga to have included a piano.


Romeu founded his own orchestra in 1910. The initial line-up for ''Orchestra Romeu'' was: Romeu (piano); Feliciano Facenda (violin); Alfredo Valdés (flute); Rafael Calazán (double bass); Remigio Valdés (timbal); Juan de la Merced (güiro): quite a small group. By the 1920s the orchestra included Francisco Delabart (flute); Augusto Valdés (clarinet); Juan Quevedo (violin); Aurelio Valdés and Félix Vásquez (güiro); Antonio Ma. Romeu (son, violin); Pedro Hernández (violin); Dihigo (trumpet); Regueira (trombone) and José Antonio Díaz (flute). In the 1930s the orchestra added even more musicians, and became for a while a 'big band'. In wartime, with a diminution of tourism, the band reduced its size.
Romeu founded his own orchestra in 1910. The initial line-up for Orquesta Romeu featured Romeu on piano, Feliciano Facenda on violin, Alfredo Valdés on flute, Rafael Calazán on double bass, Remigio Valdés on timbales, and Juan de la Merced on güiro. By the 1920s the charanga had expanded considerably, featuring Francisco Delabart on flute, Augusto Valdés on clarinet, Juan Quevedo on violin, Aurelio Valdés and Félix Vásquez on güiro, Antonio María Romeu Jr. on violin, Pedro Hernández on violin, Dihigo on trumpet, Regueira on trombone, and José Antonio Díaz on flute. In the 1930s the orchestra added even more musicians, and became for a while a [[big band]] (known in Cuba as ''jazzband''). During the Second World War, with a diminution of tourism, the band reduced its size.


[[Image:Romeu Orq.jpg|thumb|centre|280px|<center>''Orquesta Romeu'' <br /> with Romeu (dark suit) & Fernando Collazo, end-1920s]]
[[Image:Romeu Orq.jpg|thumb|right|Orquesta Romeu with Romeu (dark suit) and Fernando Collazo, late 1920s.]]


The danzón had been, since its beginning in the 1870s, an instrumental genre, but by 1927 bands began to include a singer. The Romeu band had, initially, [[Fernando Collazo]], and in the 1930s [[Barbarito Diez]]. From the beginning, and throughout his career, Romeu employed musicians of all racial types, as Cuban bands had done since at least 1800.<ref>Carpentier, Alejo 2001 [1945]. ''Music in Cuba''. Minniapolis MN, p161. </ref>
The danzón had been, since its beginning in the 1870s, an instrumental genre, but by 1927 bands began to include a singer. The Romeu orchestra had initially [[Fernando Collazo]] in the role, who was replaced by [[Barbarito Díez]] in 1935. From the beginning, and throughout his career, Romeu employed musicians of all racial types, as Cuban bands had done since at least 1800.<ref>Carpentier, Alejo 2001 [1945]. ''Music in Cuba''. Minneapolis, MN, p. 161.</ref>


When Romeu died, the orchestra was led for a while by his son, also Antonio María Romeu, then by Barbarito Diez. It still played the traditional danzón, but now was called the ''Orquesta de Barbarito Diez''.<ref>Orovio, Helio 1981. ''Diccionario de la música cubana''. La Habana. p283</ref>
After Romeu's death in January 1955, the orchestra was led for a while by his son, Antonio María Romeu Jr., then by Barbarito Díez. It still played the traditional danzón, but now was known as Orquesta de Barbarito Díez.<ref>Orovio, Helio 1981. ''Diccionario de la música cubana''. La Habana, Cuba. p. 283.</ref>


== Compositions ==
== Compositions ==
Romeu wrote over 500 danzones, many of which have been adapted for other Cuban rhythms; some were completely original, others were adaptations of existing works. His most famous work was ''Tres lindas cubanas'', which was an arrangement of a much older work. Other famous danzones were ''Siglo XX'', ''La danza do los milliones'', ''El servicio obligartorio'', ''Cinta azul'', ''El mago de las teclas'', ''Jíbacoa'', and ''La flauta magica'' (in collaboration with [[Alfredo Brito]]). Arrangements of ''Guarina'' and ''Perla marina'' ([[Sindo Garay]]), ''Mares y arenas'' ([[Rosendo Ruiz]]), ''Mercedes'' ([[Manuel Corona]]), ''Aquella boca'' ([[Eusebio Delfín]]), ''La cleptomanía'' ([[Manuel Luna]]) show his prowess as an arranger.
Romeu wrote and arranged over 500 danzones, many of which have been adapted for other Cuban rhythms; some were completely original, others were adaptations of existing works. His most famous work was "Tres lindas cubanas", which was an arrangement of the [[son cubano|son]] of the same name, written by guitarist Guillermo Castillo and made famous by the [[Sexteto Habanero]]. Other famous danzones were "Siglo XX", "La danza do los milliones", "El servicio obligartorio", "Cinta azul", "El mago de las teclas", and "Jibacoa". He arranged many famous works of the [[trova]], Cuba's singer/songwriter tradition, such as "Guarina" and "Perla marina" ([[Sindo Garay]]), "Mares y arenas" ([[Rosendo Ruiz]]), "Mercedes" ([[Manuel Corona (musician)|Manuel Corona]]), "Aquella boca" ([[Eusebio Delfín]]) and "La cleptomanía" ([[Manuel Luna (actor)|Manuel Luna]]). In addition, he adapted classical works such as "La flauta mágica" (from [[Mozart]]'s ''[[The Magic Flute]]'') and "El barbero de Sevilla" (from [[Rossini]]'s ''[[The Barber of Seville]]).


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://victor.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/talent/detail/16378/ Discography of Antonio María Romeu] on [[Victor Talking Machine Company|Victor Records]] from the Encyclopedic Discography of Victor Recordings (EDVR)
* [https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/116631 Antonio María Romeu recordings] at the [[Discography of American Historical Recordings]].


⚫
{{Authority control}}
=== See also ===
* [[Early Cuban bands]]


⚫
{{Authority control|VIAF=61746450}}
{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
⚫
| NAME = Romeu, Antonio Maria
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = 11 September 1876
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH = 18 January 1955
| PLACE OF DEATH =
⚫
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Romeu, Antonio Maria}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Romeu, Antonio Maria}}
[[Category:1876 births]]
[[Category:1876 births]]
[[Category:1955 deaths]]
[[Category:1955 deaths]]
⚫
[[Category:Cuban music history]]
[[Category:Cuban pianists]]
[[Category:Cuban pianists]]
[[Category:Cuban composers]]
[[Category:Cuban composers]]
[[Category:Cuban conductors (music)]]
[[Category:Cuban male composers]]
⚫
[[Category:Cuban bandleaders]]

[[Category:Cuban charanga musicians]]
[[es:Antonio María Romeu]]
[[Category:Danzón musicians]]
[[it:Antonio María Romeu]]
[[Category:Danzón composers]]
[[Category:Musicians from Havana]]
[[Category:Cuban male musicians]]

Latest revision as of 12:12, 1 April 2024

Antonio María Romeu
Background information
Birth nameAntonio María Romeu Marrero
Born(1876-09-11)September 11, 1876
Jibacoa, Cuba
DiedJanuary 18, 1955(1955-01-18) (aged 78)
Havana, Cuba
GenresDanzón
Occupation(s)Musician, bandleader, composer, arranger
Instrument(s)Piano
LabelsPanart

Antonio María Romeu Marrero (11 September 1876 – 18 January 1955) was a Cuban pianist, composer and bandleader. His orchestra was Cuba's leading charanga for over thirty years, specializing in the danzón.[1] Throughout his career he was popularly known as El Mago de las Teclas (The Keyboard Magician).[2][3]

Life and career[edit]

Romeu studied music in 1884 with Joaquín Mariano Martínez, and practiced the piano at a local church by the beach in Jibacoa. At twelve he played at his first dance, and composed his first work. In 1899 he moved to Havana and played in cafés. He was invited to play in the Orquesta Cervantes, one of several charangas founded at the beginning of the 1900s. Charangas supplanted the típicas as the standard instrumental line-up for the danzón. Initially called charangas francesas (though they have nothing to do with France), they were 'invented' at the start of the 20th century. The basic idea was to pitch the tone of the orchestra higher and brighter than the típica, by removing the brass, replacing the clarinet with a flute and replacing the kettle drums with a new invention, the pailas criollas, now called timbales. Orquesta Cervantes is the earliest known charanga to have included a piano.

Romeu founded his own orchestra in 1910. The initial line-up for Orquesta Romeu featured Romeu on piano, Feliciano Facenda on violin, Alfredo Valdés on flute, Rafael Calazán on double bass, Remigio Valdés on timbales, and Juan de la Merced on güiro. By the 1920s the charanga had expanded considerably, featuring Francisco Delabart on flute, Augusto Valdés on clarinet, Juan Quevedo on violin, Aurelio Valdés and Félix Vásquez on güiro, Antonio María Romeu Jr. on violin, Pedro Hernández on violin, Dihigo on trumpet, Regueira on trombone, and José Antonio Díaz on flute. In the 1930s the orchestra added even more musicians, and became for a while a big band (known in Cuba as jazzband). During the Second World War, with a diminution of tourism, the band reduced its size.

Orquesta Romeu with Romeu (dark suit) and Fernando Collazo, late 1920s.

The danzón had been, since its beginning in the 1870s, an instrumental genre, but by 1927 bands began to include a singer. The Romeu orchestra had initially Fernando Collazo in the role, who was replaced by Barbarito Díez in 1935. From the beginning, and throughout his career, Romeu employed musicians of all racial types, as Cuban bands had done since at least 1800.[4]

After Romeu's death in January 1955, the orchestra was led for a while by his son, Antonio María Romeu Jr., then by Barbarito Díez. It still played the traditional danzón, but now was known as Orquesta de Barbarito Díez.[5]

Compositions[edit]

Romeu wrote and arranged over 500 danzones, many of which have been adapted for other Cuban rhythms; some were completely original, others were adaptations of existing works. His most famous work was "Tres lindas cubanas", which was an arrangement of the son of the same name, written by guitarist Guillermo Castillo and made famous by the Sexteto Habanero. Other famous danzones were "Siglo XX", "La danza do los milliones", "El servicio obligartorio", "Cinta azul", "El mago de las teclas", and "Jibacoa". He arranged many famous works of the trova, Cuba's singer/songwriter tradition, such as "Guarina" and "Perla marina" (Sindo Garay), "Mares y arenas" (Rosendo Ruiz), "Mercedes" (Manuel Corona), "Aquella boca" (Eusebio Delfín) and "La cleptomanía" (Manuel Luna). In addition, he adapted classical works such as "La flauta mágica" (from Mozart's The Magic Flute) and "El barbero de Sevilla" (from Rossini's The Barber of Seville).

References[edit]

  1. ^ Giro, Radamés 2007. Diccionario encyclopédico de la música en Cuba. vol 4, La Havana. p. 84
  2. ^ Ledón Sánchez, Armando (2003). La música popular en Cuba (in Spanish). Oakland, CA: Intelibooks. pp. 55–56. ISBN 9780932367150.
  3. ^ Shepherd, John; Horn, David, eds. (2014). "Danzón". Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World, Volume 9. London, UK: Bloomsbury. p. 274. ISBN 9781441132253.
  4. ^ Carpentier, Alejo 2001 [1945]. Music in Cuba. Minneapolis, MN, p. 161.
  5. ^ Orovio, Helio 1981. Diccionario de la música cubana. La Habana, Cuba. p. 283.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Antonio_María_Romeu&oldid=1216682879"