In 1937, Hernández Marin wrote "Preciosa", while in Mexico.[4] Years later, in 1947, he returned to Puerto Rico and became orchestra director at the government-owned WIPR Radio.[5] His music became an important part of Puerto Rican culture.[6] Hernandez formed Cuarteto Victoria (Victoria Quartet) with Pedro Ortiz Dávila, Rafael Rodríguez, and Francisco López Cruz with whom he recorded the song.[7] 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.[8]
Theme
Preciosa expresses feelings of love and nostalgia for Puerto Rico. It is considered one of the unofficial National Anthems of Puerto Rico[9] The work includes a celebration of the three historical sociological traits that Puerto Ricans attribute to making their current culture and nationalism; the blend of Spanish, African and Taino. The song makes reference to a tyrant who mistreats Puerto Rico and the song became an expression of autonomist patriotism. However, all Puerto Ricans, regardless of their personal beliefs towards the political status of the island, celebrate when hearing the song.[10]
Recordings
External audio
You may listen to Luciano Quiñones piano interpretation of Hernandez Marin's "Preciosa"here
Following is a partial listing of recordings of the song by artists, alphabetically (incomplete).
^Ayala, César J. and Rafael Bernabe. Puerto Rico in the American Century: A History Since 1898. Chapel Hill, NC: The University of North Carolina Press, 2007. pp. 163-67.
^Ayala, César J. and Rafael Bernabe. Puerto Rico in the American Century: A History Since 1898. Chapel Hill, NC: The University of North Carolina Press, 2007. pp. 163-67.
^Glasser, Ruth. My Music is My Flag: Puerto Rican Musicians and Their New York Communities, 1917-1940. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1995. p. 2.
^Ayala, César J. and Rafael Bernabe. Puerto Rico in the American Century: a History Since 1898. Chapel Hill, NC: The University of North Carolina Press, 2007. pp. 132.
