With Mexican-born Arturo Márquez we come to the music of a younger composer who, with his Danzón No. 2, demonstrates his ability to excel in both "popular" and "serious" styles. The danzón was a dance of Cuban origin which has enjoyed great popularity in the Veracruz region of Mexico. Márquez’ treatment of a popular dance has itself proved popular since its premiere in 1994, having already received performances around the world.

Ryan Dorin is a Ph.D. composition student at New York University and annotates program notes for the Washington Square Contemporary Music Series.