Celebrating the 60th birthday of renowned Spanish contemporary classical composer Benet Casablancas, this monographic album offers a comprehensive journey through his diverse and innovative musical landscape. Released on May 1, 2018, under the label Columna Música, the album spans a rich duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, featuring a collection of his most evocative and thought-provoking works.
The album opens with "Sis Glosses sobre textos de Cees Nooteboom," a series of six pieces inspired by the writings of the Dutch author, each with its own distinct character and mood, from the tranquil "Tranquillo molto" to the playful "Scherzando." Following this, "Epigrames" presents three concise yet impactful piano pieces, showcasing Casablancas' ability to convey depth and emotion in minimal form.
"Set Haikus per a Sextet" is a standout suite, paying homage to various literary and personal influences. The sextet ranges from the reflective "Molto adagio" dedicated to Antonio Muñoz Molina, to the poignant "Trist i lent," a tribute to Maria del Carme Casablancas Portí. The album also includes "Pastoral," a concertino for saxophone and ensemble, highlighting Casablancas' mastery of instrumental color and texture.
Other notable works include "Díptic per a guitarra sola," featuring two contrasting pieces for solo guitar, and "Melancolías y desabrimientos," which delves into themes of melancholy and longing. The album concludes with "Epigramas Cervantinos per a piano," a set of piano pieces inspired by the wit and wisdom of Cervantes.
Benet Casablancas, a leading figure in contemporary Spanish music, challenges traditional notions of musical modernism with his avant-garde style. This album is a testament to his enduring influence and creativity, offering listeners a profound and engaging exploration of his artistic vision.
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