Fandango

Experience the vibrant and captivating sounds of Latin American orchestral music with "Fandango," a stunning album featuring the works of Alberto Ginastera and Arturo Márquez. This live recording, captured at the renowned Walt Disney Concert Hall, showcases the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the dynamic direction of Gustavo Dudamel, accompanied by the extraordinary violinist Anne Akiko Meyers.

At the heart of this album is Alberto Ginastera's "Estancia," a rarely heard complete version of his one-act ballet that paints a vivid musical portrait of rural life in Argentina. Ginastera, one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, masterfully weaves traditional Argentine folk songs and dances into this orchestral work, creating a rich tapestry of sounds that celebrate his cultural heritage.

Complementing Ginastera's masterpiece is Arturo Márquez's "Fandango," a spectacular new violin concerto written specifically for Anne Akiko Meyers. This exhilarating piece, with its infectious rhythms and virtuosic demands, showcases Meyers' extraordinary talent and the orchestra's versatility, making it a highlight of the album.

"Fandango" is a testament to the power of live performance, capturing the energy and precision of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the charismatic leadership of Gustavo Dudamel. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers an unforgettable journey into the world of Latin American orchestral music.

Alberto Ginastera, born in Buenos Aires in 1916, is widely regarded as one of the most significant 20th-century classical composers from the Americas. His music is a vibrant fusion of Argentine folk elements and modern compositional techniques, reflecting his deep roots in his homeland's cultural heritage. Ginastera's career spanned three distinct musical periods, each marked by his evolving style and innovative approaches to composition.

Ginastera first gained international recognition in the 1940s with his ballet scores "Panambí" and "Estancia," which showcased his nationalist style and deep connection to Argentine folk music. Throughout his career, he composed a diverse range of works, including operas like "Bomarzo" and "Beatrix Cenci," ballets, concertos, and pieces that incorporated microtones, serialism, and aleatory music. His ability to synthesize local and national idioms with contemporary techniques set him apart as a leading figure in Latin American classical music.

Ginastera's early musical training began at the age of seven with piano lessons, and he later attended the Conservatorio Alberto Williams, where he received a gold medal in composition in 1935. His prolific output and influential compositions have left an indelible mark on the world of classical music, making him a pivotal figure in the development of Latin American musical identity.