Danzon - genre

  • "Ophicleide or tuba (later replaced by contrabass)"

Early danzón ensembles (late 1800s – orquesta típica):

  • Woodwinds: primarily clarinet (very characteristic of the style), flute, sometimes oboe.
  • Brass: cornet or trumpet, trombone.
  • Strings: violins, double bass.
  • Percussion: timbales (or pailas criollas), güiro.

This type of group was known as an orquesta típica, modeled partly on European military bands but adapted to Cuban dance music.

Later development ( charanga francesa, early 1900s):

  • Flute (usually a wooden five-key flute, later silver flutes).
  • Violins (2 or more, forming the melodic backbone).
  • Piano.
  • Double bass.
  • Güiro ( scraper providing the rhythmic drive).
  • Timbales (light drums replacing heavier European percussion).