Why did Ernesto Lecuona move away from his homeland in Cuba?

1 answer

Ernesto Lecuona, a renowned Cuban composer and pianist, moved away from his homeland primarily due to political circumstances and personal reasons. Here are some factors that contributed to his decision to leave Cuba:

1. Political Climate: Lecuona left Cuba in 1960, shortly after the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro. The political situation in Cuba was changing rapidly, and the new revolutionary government implemented policies that affected artists and intellectuals. Lecuona, being a prominent figure in the cultural and music scene, may have felt the need to leave due to potential restrictions on his artistic expression.

2. Concerns for Freedom and Autonomy: Lecuona valued his artistic freedom and autonomy. He believed in the continuing development of his musical career outside of his homeland, and he might have felt that he could better pursue his creative aspirations elsewhere.

3. International Opportunities: Moving away from Cuba would also have provided Lecuona with broader international opportunities. He had already achieved significant success worldwide, and moving to a new location could have expanded his reach and allowed him to collaborate with other musicians and artists from different countries.

4. Personal and Family Reasons: Like many individuals, Lecuona's decision to leave his homeland might have been influenced by personal and family considerations. He may have sought a more stable environment for his family, including his wife and children, away from the political instability and uncertainty prevalent in Cuba at the time.

Overall, while Lecuona's exact motivations may have been a combination of different factors, it is evident that political circumstances, concerns for freedom and autonomy, international opportunities, and personal reasons played a role in his decision to move away from his homeland in Cuba.