Ginastera: Obertura para el Fausto Criollo, Op. 9, Variaciones Concertantes, Op. 23, Ollantay, Op. 17 & Bomarzo Suite, Op. 34a

Album Description

Dive into the rich and evocative world of Alberto Ginastera with this compelling orchestral collection, featuring some of the Argentine composer's most celebrated works. Released on CapriccioNR, this album showcases Ginastera's mastery of orchestration and his unique ability to blend traditional Argentine themes with modern classical techniques.

The album opens with "Obertura para el Fausto Criollo, Op. 9," a vibrant overture inspired by a 19th-century poem that captures the spirit of the Argentine gaucho. This piece sets the stage for the diverse and engaging compositions that follow.

"Variaciones Concertantes, Op. 23" is a standout work, featuring a series of variations that highlight different instruments in the orchestra. From the playful "Variazione giocosa per Flauto" to the dramatic "Variazione drammatica per Viola," each movement offers a unique and captivating listening experience.

"Ollantay, Op. 17" is a symphonic suite based on the Inca legend of Ollantay, providing a rich tapestry of sounds that evoke the ancient Andean landscape. The suite's three movements, "Paisaje de Ollantaytambo," "Los guerreros," and "La muerte de Ollantay," transport the listener to a world of myth and history.

The album concludes with the "Bomarzo Suite, Op. 34a," a work inspired by the Gardens of Bomarzo in Italy. This suite is a testament to Ginastera's ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, this album is a comprehensive introduction to Ginastera's orchestral works, performed by the Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz under the direction of Karl-Heinz Steffens. Whether you are a longtime fan of Ginastera's music or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

6 november 2015

2015 CapriccioNR

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.