The basics of the bolero, from its birth in Cuba to modern-day specialists

When people speak of bolero, it conjures up images of a short jacket, the percussive orchestral work by Maurice Ravel or even the classic 1934 movie starring George Raft. In Latin music, however, boleros are slow ballads first popularized toward the end of the 18th century, mainly in Cuba.

Then the form spread throughout Latin America, especially Mexico in the 19th century. In Spain, the form evolved from the contradanza and sevillana (a Castilian folk music and dance style).

Here are some of the basics about boleros — a form that will be showcased April 12 in an SCP Featured Concert with the bolero specialists Tres Souls and Trío Remembranza.

What is a bolero? A romantic ballad, it is characterized by acoustic guitars, often set against lush orchestration. Its slow tempo lends itself to intimate, passionate performances. The accompanying dance style features graceful, flowing movements, typically performed by couples in close embrace.

Regional variations: In Spain, the form evolved in 3/4 time, from dance styles derived from the contradanza and sevillana. In Cuba, boleros were written in the 2/4 time signature. Cuban bolero incorporates elements from Spanish and other Latin music, as well as African influences. Notably, Cuban bolero also is known for its sophisticated, romantic lyrics, slow tempo and guitar accompaniment.

From the troubador tradition: In Cuba, bolero arose from the trova tradition. Trovadores were the Cuban version of the Spanish trovadores. In Cuba, these wandering minstrels traveled throughout Cuba’s Oriente (eastern) region, notably Santiago de Cuba, sustaining themselves by serenading and strumming guitars.

The golden age: Boleros became a significant part of the soundtrack and cultural landscape of Mexican cinema, often reflecting themes of love, passion and romance. In the late 1920a, the bolero became the soundtrack of modern, urban Mexico, when it was embraced by musicians in the capital city, most famously Agustín Lara, a pianist who composed many classic boleros, including “Despues,” “Mujer,” “Para Siempre,” “Piensa en Mi” and “María Bonita” (composed for his wife, Mexican film superstar Maria Felix).

The bolero craze: In the late ’30s and ’40s, boleros took off in Mexico, performed by trios that became internationally famous, such as Los Panchos, Los Tres Caballeros, Los Panchos, Los Tres Ases and Los Tres Reyes, as well as solo artists such as Pedro Vargas, Pedro Infante, Javier Solis, Armando Manzanero and Julio Jaramillo (from Ecuador).

Contemporary bolero artists: Current Latin hitmakers such as Luis Miguel, Kali Uchis, Mon Lafuerte and Romeo Santos continue to keep the bolero tradition alive, often flavored by other Latin and non-Latin genres such as cumbia, bachata and hip-hop.