Rescue and vindication of the work of José Manuel Vázquez del Rey: a cultural and heritage imperative.

Abstract

This essay explores the life and legacy of Cuban musician José Manuel Vázquez del Rey, highlighting him as a central figure in 20th-century Cuban musical culture. Trained at the Cienfuegos Conservatory under the guidance of maestro Vicente Sánchez Torralba, Vázquez quickly established himself as a virtuoso pianist, prolific composer, demanding pedagogue, and ensemble director. His work enriches the national repertoire and reflects a deep commitment to Cuban cultural identity, even amid adverse health and political conditions. The text emphasizes his versatility as a performer, early public recognition, and ability to merge European classical repertoire with original works of strong Cuban character. His pedagogical vocation spanned decades of institutional and private teaching and is evident in over 70 piano dances. As a composer, he created a vast unpublished catalog including zarzuelas, piano pieces, stage music, and chamber works, many still preserved in manuscript form. The essay stresses the urgent need to rescue his legacy, which is currently marginalized in academic and publishing circles. It proposes concrete strategies such as digitalization, critical editing, professional recordings, and dissemination through concerts and scholarly projects. This recovery is an ethical and heritage-driven act, enabling the rediscovery of a singular voice and a more just representation of the diversity within Cuban musical heritage. Vázquez del Rey, a frequently silenced cultural hero, embodies a living memory of the nation that must be studied, performed, and celebrated once again.

Keywords:

Composition, Identity, Pedagogy, Heritage, Reclamation.