Released 1937 Recorded 1937 Length 03:36 | Format 7-inch single Genre bolero Label Sony Discos | |
"Preciosa" (English: Precious) is a 1937 patriotic composition by Puerto Rican composer Rafael Hernández Marín.
Contents
History
In 1937, Hernández Marin wrote "Preciosa", while in Mexico. Years later, in 1947, he returned to Puerto Rico and became orchestra director at the government-owned WIPR Radio. His music became an important part of Puerto Rican culture. Hernandez formed Cuarteto Victoria (Victoria Quartet) with Pedro Ortiz Dávila, Rafael Rodríguez, and Franciso López Cruz with whom he recorded the song. A Puerto Rican group led by Manuel A. Jiménez (“Canario”) recorded Hernández’s Preciosa, which, together with Lamento Borincano became unofficial national anthems of Puerto Rico.
Theme
Preciosa expressed feelings of love and nostalgia for Puerto Rico but also the discontent regarding the poor economy prevalent on the island at the time. The work was an idealistic view of the people of Puerto Rico in terms of traits of Hispanic and Indian traditions but missing the African dimension. The song made reference to a tyrant who ruled Puerto Rico and it became a favorite song of autonomist patriotism.
Recordings
Following is a partial listing of recordings of the song by artists, alphabetically (incomplete).