Mercury Living Presence Stereo 1957 Copland's score for the ballet, Rodeo, as originally danced by Agnes DeMille , was brilliant and has become one of the standard works of many classical repertoires. Antal Dorati's interpretation is exciting and satisfying ... it is quite easy to follow the story line within the balletic composition. That is Catherine Horn in the album's cover photograph by Henry Ries. She was a well-known dancer and performed the lead part in stage productions of Rodeo. El Salón México, as Eugene Bruck says in the cover notes, is "an exciting, flamboyant work. It is full of exotic orchestral effects, provocative Mexican tunes and rhythms and a feeling of delightful near-vulgarity and recklessness. It is among Copland's most popular compositions." Mr. Bruck says about the third item on the record, "Danzon Cubano was composed for two pianos and orchestra in 1942 for the anniversary of the founding of the League of Composers. The full orchestral version was not heard until 1946. The Danzon is a well-known dance form in Cuba and in other Central and South American countries. It is not to be confused with the "fast" Latin dances, such as the Rhumba or Samba. The composer warns that it must not be played at a rapid tempo, its non-Latin counterpart being the Waltz. The Danzon was brought to Cuba in 1879 by the Negro composer Miguel Faide in the form of an old Spanish contra-dance with African rhythmic elements. Copland obtained the themes for his own version of the Danzon by recording and writing them down while on a visit to Cuba. There are four Cuban themes in all, three of Spanish origin, and one "Negro blues". All, of course, have been subjected to Copland's alterations in syncopation and harmony. The composer does not claim that his Danzon Cubano is an authentic Danzon; it is, instead, a successful effort to suggest the original in his own terms." This was the first recording of Copland's Danzon Cubano"
