Ginastera, A.: Glosses Sobre Temes De Pau Casals / Variaciones Concertantes

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich orchestral tapestry of Alberto Ginastera's "Glosses Sobre Temes De Pau Casals / Variaciones Concertantes," a captivating exploration of the composer's unique voice. Released in 2010 on the Naxos label, this album showcases Ginastera's mastery of orchestration and his deep connection to his Argentine roots, blended with his innovative compositional style.

The album is divided into two main works. The first is "Glosses sobre temes de Pau Casals," a five-movement orchestral piece that pays homage to the renowned cellist Pau Casals. Each movement offers a distinct musical landscape, from the introductory "Introduccio" to the whimsical "Sardanes" and the concluding "Conclusio delirant." This work is presented in two versions: one for full orchestra and another for string quintet and string orchestra, providing a fascinating comparison of Ginastera's orchestral techniques.

The second work, "Overture in E Minor, D. 648," is a dynamic and varied piece that features a series of variations for different instruments, each showcasing Ginastera's ability to create vivid musical characters. From the playful "Variazione giocosa per flauto" to the dramatic "Variazione drammatica per viola," this overture is a testament to Ginastera's compositional prowess.

With a duration of just under an hour, this album offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of Ginastera's orchestral language. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Ginastera's music or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. The performances are conducted with precision and passion, bringing Ginastera's intricate scores to life in vivid detail.

26 januari 2010

2010 Naxos

About Alberto Ginastera

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.