Hey there, fellow Hivers! 🐝✨
A while back, I embarked on a musical journey participating in a Russian song contest. The catch? One of the conditions was to croon a tune by the remarkable Alexandra Pakhmutova. Now, Pakhmutova—let me tell you—is an absolute gem of a songwriter and person. At 94, she's still weaving melodies that resonate through time.
So, with the opportunity to showcase two songs, I delved into Pakhmutova's repertoire. One of my picks was her stirring piece, 'Cuba, My Love,' a homage to the revolutionary spirit of Cuba. 🇨🇺💖
Back in the '60s, amidst the fervor of the Cuban revolution, Cuba was this beacon of freedom and zest, especially for the Soviets. And Pakhmutova, along with her husband, N. Dobronravov (may he rest in peace), were tasked with encapsulating this fervor in song. And boy, did they deliver! 🎵
Their rendition of 'Cuba, My Love' is a fascinating blend of Latin rhythms and Russian military march—a true testament to their artistic prowess. Sung primarily in Russian with sprinklings of Spanish, the song paints a vivid picture of Cuba's allure.
Now, here's where I come in. I couldn't resist adding my own flair to the mix. With a touch of flamenco, a tweak in chords, and the warm embrace of an acoustic guitar, I infused a bit of my soul into this already captivating melody.
So, what do you think, dear Hivers? Did I do justice to this timeless classic? Let me know your thoughts! Your feedback means the world to me. 🎸✨
Gracias y saludos,
shemZee
Lyrics:
Cuba - my love,
Island of the crimson dawn.
The song flies over the planet ringing -
Cuba - my love!
Hear the measured tread -
This is Barbudos /the bearded ones i.e. Fidel`s men/;
The sky above them like a fiery banner
Hear the measured tread!
Courage knows the goal!
Became a legend Cuba,
Again inspired says Fidel -
Courage knows the goal!
Homeland or death! –
Patria o muerte
The sun of freedom over Cuba burn!
Homeland or death!
Cuba - my love,
Island of the crimson dawn.
The song flies over the planet ringing -
Cuba - my love!
Spanish translation of the lyrics:
Cuba es mi amor,
isla de alba roja
Pueblo escucha nuestra cancion
Cuba es mi amor
Cuba - mi amor,
carmesí Isla amanecer.
La canción vuela sobre el planeta sonando
Cuba - mi amor!
Hear paso martillado - Se va Barbudo;
El cielo por encima de ellos como un estandarte
de fuego Hear paso a tope!
Coraje conoce la meta!
Cuba se ha convertido en una leyenda,
dice recién inspirado Fidel -
Coraje conoce la meta!
Patria o Muerte! -
Este juramento sin miedo.
Sun libertad sobre Cuba quemar!
Patria o Muerte!
Cuba - mi amor,
carmesí Isla amanecer.
La canción vuela sobre el planeta sonando -
Cuba - mi amor!
Original Russian lyrics:
Куба — любовь моя
Куба — любовь моя,
Остров зари багровой.
Песня летит над планетой звеня:
Куба — любовь моя!
Слышишь чеканный шаг —
Это идут барбудос;
Небо над ними как огненный стяг
Слышишь чеканный шаг!
Родина или смерть! -
Patria o Muerte!
Солнцу свободы над Кубой гореть!
Родина или смерть!
Куба — любовь моя,
Остров зари багровой.
Песня летит над планетой звеня:
Куба — любовь моя!