Danzon - genre

• "Ophicleide or tuba (later replaced by contrabass)"

Early danzón ensembles (late 1800s – orquesta típica):

• Woodwinds: primarily clarinet (very characteristic of the style), flute, sometimes oboe.
• Brass: cornet or trumpet, trombone.
• Strings: violins, double bass.
• Percussion: timbales (or pailas criollas), güiro.

This type of group was known as an orquesta típica, modeled partly on European military bands but adapted to Cuban dance music.

Later development ( charanga francesa, early 1900s):

• Flute (usually a wooden five-key flute, later silver flutes).
• Violins (2 or more, forming the melodic backbone).
• Piano.
• Double bass.
• Güiro ( scraper providing the rhythmic drive).
• Timbales (light drums replacing heavier European percussion).