The Puerto Rican Cuatro is a small, five-stringed musical instrument that is a staple of traditional Puerto Rican folk music. It is an integral part of the island’s cultural heritage and has a rich history that spans several centuries.
The cuatro derives from the Spanish lute (laúd), which were originally introduced to Puerto Rico by Spanish settlers in the 16th century. Over time, the instrument evolved and became an integral part of Puerto Rican folk music. Today, the cuatro is widely recognized as a symbol of Puerto Rican culture and is often played in traditional folk music ensembles.
The cuatro is a versatile instrument that is capable of producing a range of musical styles and sounds. It is used to play a variety of musical genres, including plenas, danzas, seis, and aguinaldos, among others. It is also typically used to accompany the singing of “décimas,” narrative songs that are rooted in Spanish ballads.
One of the unique features of the cuatro is its small size and portability. This makes it an ideal instrument for traveling musicians and for use in outdoor musical gatherings, such as parties and festivals. It is also relatively easy to learn to play, making it a popular instrument for young musicians.
Despite its importance in Puerto Rican culture, the cuatro has faced many challenges over the years. For example, it was almost lost during the American occupation of Puerto Rico in the early 20th century, when American cultural influences threatened to overtake traditional Puerto Rican music and customs. However, the instrument was rescued by a new generation of musicians who worked to preserve and promote its cultural significance.
Today, the cuatro is a vibrant part of Puerto Rican culture and continues to be widely played and appreciated by musicians and music lovers around the world. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, reflecting its significance not only to Puerto Rican culture but to world culture as a whole.
There are many talented Puerto Rican cuatro players. These are some of the most renowned:
Yomo Toro – He was a legendary cuatro player and guitarist that was widely considered one of the greatest musicians in Puerto Rican folk music. Yomo Toro was known for his skillful style and innovative arrangements. Moreover, he also collaborated regularly with salsa musicians. Selected discography: Asalto Navideño (Fania, 1972); Funky Jibaro (Island, 1988); Las Manos de Oro (Xenophile Records, 1995); Celebremos Navidad (Protel, 1996); El Espíritu Jíbaro (The Jibaro Spirit), with Roswell Rudd (Sunnyside Records, 2007); and La Herencia (Fania, 2008). More about Yomo Toro.
Eligio Claudio – Also known as “Prodigio,” Eligio is an acclaimed cuatrista celebrated for his incredible technique and ability to charm audiences with his humor and ease. He is in high demand as a performer in Puerto Rico and beyond.
Edwin Colón Zayas – Distinguished cuatrista from Orocovis, comes from a family of musicians and has been playing the cuatro on stage since he was young. His performances have taken him around the world, playing in theaters across the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia, and establishing a global repertoire for his instrument. His unique style of playing has influenced a new generation of musicians who follow in his footsteps.
Pedro Guzmán – Better known as “Pedrito,” Pedro is a renowned cuatrista who has committed his career to seeking novel avenues for his instrument. He follows in the footsteps of the revered innovator Nieves Quintero, whose example has spurred him to explore new horizons for the cuatro, elevating it beyond its conventional geographical confines and establishing it as a symbol of pride for Puerto Ricans. Guzmán has expressed his aspiration to revitalize and contemporize the cuatro, transcending its traditional Puerto Rican origins.
Hector “Pucho” Alamo – An adept cuatro player who brings a cool, poised demeanor to the forefront of the music scene. His virtuosic playing with the fusion jíbaro group Yerbabuena has earned him recognition as one of the leading cuatro players in New York City. Alamo received his education from the late Maestro Maso Rivera, Edgardo Miranda, and Yomo Toro, affectionately called “Yomito”.
Emma Colón Zayas – Multi-talented musician who has achieved mastery of both the cuatro and the güiro. She began playing with the Familia Colón Zayas group and has since toured the world both as a solo artist and as part of Taller Boricua, a group with her brothers.
Maribel Delgado – Pioneering female cuatro player. She has captivated audiences with her flawless execution of the instrument, inspiring a new generation of Puerto Rican musicians. Her remarkable musicality has earned her numerous regional competition wins and festival performances in the US and abroad. In 2003, Delgado made history as the first Puerto Rican woman to record a solo cuatro album, El Cuatro en Manos de Una Mujer.
Quique Domenech – Versatile artist who excels as a cuatro player, recording engineer, producer, television producer, and arranger. His musical journey began in childhood, and he has since recorded several albums and performed at festivals across Puerto Rico and the United States.
Josean Feliberty – Cuatro player from Ciales, located in central Puerto Rico, has collaborated with esteemed artists such as Odilio González, cementing his reputation as a gifted musician.
Mariano Jurado – Also known as Juradito, Mariano is a highly acclaimed cuatro player who has gained recognition both in his native Puerto Rico and abroad, including in Spain, Latin America, and the US. As the musical director of his group, “Juradito y su Jíbaro Son,” he showcases his passion for music and his talent for the cuatro.
Alvin Medina – Nicknamed El Jibarito, Alvin was born in New Jersey and has become one of the most influential and exciting cuatro players in the United States today.
Christian Nieves – Talented cuatro player who has been playing the instrument for over 30 years. He is known for his innovative playing style and for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of Puerto Rican folk music. He also performs with Puerto Rican pop stars. Discography: Puerto Raíces (2003); Herencia Musical (2007); A Güiro Pelao, with Ricardo Villanueva (2009); and Mi Monte (2011).
Fabiola Méndez – Puerto Rican cuatro instrumentalist, educator, and composer. She has actively participated in a musical movement that blurs the boundaries of various genres, including jazz, Latin, and traditional folk music. She graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2018.
These are just a few of the many talented Puerto Rican cuatro players who have made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Puerto Rican folk music. These musicians continue to inspire future generations and ensure that the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rico is passed down for generations to come.
(headline photo: Puerto Rican cuatro, Don Jaime Alicea serie dorada edition, handmade)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.