Ginastera: Estancia, Variaciones Concertantes & Concierto Para Arpa

Album Description

Dive into the rich and vibrant orchestral works of Alberto Ginastera with this captivating album, released on Harmonia Mundi. Spanning a little over an hour, this collection showcases Ginastera's mastery of orchestration and his unique voice within the classical music landscape.

The album opens with "Estancia, Op. 8a," a ballet suite that paints a vivid musical portrait of life on an Argentine estate. From the rhythmic energy of "Danza del trigo" to the dramatic "Malambo," this work is a celebration of Ginastera's Argentine heritage.

Next, the "Concierto Para Arpa y Orquesta, Op. 25" features the harp in a virtuosic display, with each movement offering a distinct character, from the lively "Allegro giusto" to the playful "Liberamente capriccioso - Vivace."

The album also includes the "Obertura Para el 'Fausto' Criollo, Op. 9," a dramatic overture that blends classical and folk elements, and the expansive "Variaciones Concertantes, Op. 23." This latter work is a tour de force for the orchestra, featuring a theme and variations that highlight each section of the ensemble in turn.

Throughout the album, Ginastera's distinctive style shines through, blending elements of Argentine folk music with sophisticated orchestral techniques. This album is a wonderful introduction to Ginastera's orchestral works, showcasing his unique voice and his significant contributions to the classical music canon.

1 januari 2002

2015 harmonia mundi

2002 harmonia mundi

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.