The overture is dominated by Caribbean rhythms and Cuban native percussion, with a wide spectrum of instrumental color and technique. It is a rich and exciting work with complexity and sophistication, illustrating the influence of Cuban music and dance. Its main theme was influenced by a then current hit by Ignacio Piñeiro, "Échale Salsita".
| Tempo | Moderato e molto ritmato |
| Date of composition | 1932 in New York, NY, United States |
| Premiered | 1932, August 16th (Lewisohn Stadium) in New York, NY, United States |
| Type | Overture |
| Tonality | D Major |
| Approx. duration | 10 minutes |
| Instruments | Orchestra |
| Autotranslations beta |
George Gershwin: Cuban Overture en ré majeur George Gershwin: Cuban Overture in re maggiore George Gershwin: Cuban Overture D-dur |