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Frantz Casseus

Frantz Casseus was a Haitian classical guitarist and composer, born in Port-au-Prince on December 6, 1915, who became renowned for fusing rich Haitian folk elements with classical guitar techniques. Casseus moved to New York City in the mid-1940s with dreams of becoming a musician and quickly became part of the city's vibrant jazz and classical music scenes. His profound love of Haitian melodies and rhythms drove him to compose music that offered a portal into Haiti's cultural heritage, serving as a musical ambassador and bringing the sounds of his homeland to an international audience.

Throughout his career, Casseus released a series of albums that are now considered vital recordings of Haitian classical music. His works such as "Haitian Suite: The Music of Frantz Casséus," "Congo," "Haitiana," "Haitian Dances," and "Haitian Folk Songs" exemplify his unique ability to blend classical guitar's poetic nuances with the traditional folk music of Haiti. Although he passed away on July 21, 1993, his legacy persists through the continued appreciation of his recordings, as well as through musicians such as Marc Ribot, who helped to introduce Casseus' work to new generations by performing and recording his compositions, as showcased in "Marc Ribot Plays Solo Guitar Works of Frantz Casseus." His music remains a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Haiti and stands as an influential body of work that has expanded the horizons of classical guitar repertoire.

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