When I have been away from Cuba for several months, certain details related to my country awaken my emotions. One of them is music.
In the 80's, the music of Silvio Rodríguez, enlivened the walls of my grandfather's house, in the beautiful city of Warsaw, in Poland. Something you may have read in a previous post, where I referred to my Silvio's vinyl collection.
An analog format that has a unique magic, a great history, and a Hi-Fi sound that every day gains more followers in the new generations.
Silvio Rodríguez Domínguez is one of the main pillars of what is known as the “Nueva Trova”. Movement that arose in 1960, grouping other musicians of the island, who reflect in their songs and in the sound of their guitars, the social life of a country, with its lights and shadows.
Silvio's music, gives us a differentiated style, his musical voice and the touch of the strings of his instrument, reward us with interpretations full of poetry that invite reflection.
Today I will share with you my collection in digital format, of the compact discs that I have been able to acquire over time.
Unlike vinyl, digital audio is perceived with less body and dynamic contrast. On the other hand, it has the advantage of not losing its quality, if the support remains intact, offering a clean sound, without that scratch that gives away the reproduction of a vinyl record.
Here is condensed the generality of his discography recorded in studio. You will notice in the photos that many of the CDs are still new. I often play the vinyls, and some of these CDs I have on repeat.
Throughout his career, Silvio released 21 studio albums. Of those, I have been able to acquire 17, and they are the ones I show you below.
I will only make a brief comment on those albums that I don't have on vinyl. In the post My Silvio vinyl records you can read a description of the remaining ones.
Recorded in Spain, this 10-song album showcases string-driven tunes. My favorite songs are “Canción del elegido ”, “Ojalá ” and “Óleo de mujer con sombrero ”.
It is a more elaborate work, which is why it has received great popular and critical acclaim. It has the participation of other musicians, offering a wider final sound where the keyboards are felt throughout its 9 songs.
An album full of emotions and dedicated to his father. Of his 11 songs, my favorite is “El problema”.
Another special album in his life, dedicated to the “Dominguez”, his mother and her family. Of its 12 songs, there is a song called “Canción del trovador errante”, with the particularity of being recited by him.
The album cover shows a building with a narrow sidewalk, a prohibition traffic sign. Above, the name of the album; below, we see the singer with his face tilted to one side, in a firm position, as if he did not want to cross the street for some reason. Perhaps, in his mind he could recreate the philosophical phrase of René Descartes: “I think, therefore I am”.
Together with the Cuban Rey Guerra, the troubadour gives us 14 songs. In the third song “Y tantos huesos chocarán ” they achieve a fusion of guitars, which together with the percussive blows they give in their wooden body, provide an interesting musical coloring.
An album where the symphony resounds in our ears in its 12 songs. I really like the song “Quédate ”, because of its lyrics, although it awakens in the listeners a certain sadness. Its refrain:
...quédate para poder vivir sin llanto ...has touched the emotional foundations of many mortals.
A work dedicated to one of his daughters and his grandson, where in his 11 songs, he makes reference to world socio-political problems, wars, great personalities, among others.
My favorite song is the one that gives name to this album.
In a compilation album of old songs and condensed into two CDs.
Silvio dedicated this album to the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. On its cover appears a spiral staircase in the sky. They represent the challenges and national problems.
Other musicians join in this project, where we perceive a variety of musical instruments.
Friends, I still have to buy these four compact discs, to complete all his albums that he recorded in studio: Amoríos of 2015, Para la espera of 2020, Silvio Rodríguez con Diákara of 2021 and Quería saber of 2024.
Of his 4 live albums , I have:
I also have the album Árboles, a collective project he did with Roy Brown, Puerto Rican singer. Here he joins the Cuban septet Afrocuba; his sister Anabell López and the famous Pablo Milanés.
The song “Boricua en la luna ”, earned Roy the popularity of this album.
Within everything presented, the most sought-after records among collectors, especially in vinyl format, because they are difficult to find are: Al final de este viaje, and his trilogy of black records: Silvio, Rodríguez and Domínguez.
My favorite albums are Causas y Azares, Tríptico with his 3 albums and Silvio, a well elaborated album that reveals his maturity in his musical career.
Another important aspect is that to best enjoy the sound of your recordings, you should do so through a quality Audio Setup. Integrated by a CD player or a turntable, in the case of vinyl records, a good amplifier and efficient speakers.
Thus we will be able to feel in our ears, all the musical mastery of this poet and dream hunter, who has been able to touch the sensitivity and the heart of many souls in America and in the world.
Thanks to those who made it to the end of these letters.
Own photos. Used cell phone: Pixel 6a
Text divider. Free use from 
Text by Andrés Brunet
Thank you for reading
Welcome your comments
Infinite greetings!
@abrunet