Ginastera: Piano Sonata No. 1 & Piano Concerto No. 1

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Alberto Ginastera's "Ginastera: Piano Sonata No. 1 & Piano Concerto No. 1," a remarkable orchestral album released on May 1, 1997, under the Phoenix USA label. This concise yet powerful collection spans a mere 42 minutes, but within that time, Ginastera masterfully blends intensity, mystery, and passion through his compositions.

The album opens with the Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 22, a four-movement piece that showcases Ginastera's dynamic range. The first movement, "Allegro marcato," sets a strong, marked tempo, while the second, "Presto misterioso," introduces an air of mystery with its swift pace. The third movement, "Adagio molto appassionato," slows the tempo to a deeply passionate adagio, before the final movement, "Ruvido ed ostinato," brings the sonata to a close with its rough and obstinate energy.

The second half of the album features the Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 28, another four-movement work that further explores Ginastera's musical prowess. The concerto begins with "Cadenza e varianti," a cadenza with variations that highlights the pianist's skill. The second movement, "Scherzo allucinante," is a whimsical, almost hallucinatory scherzo, while the third, "Adagissimo," is a slow, contemplative adagissimo. The album concludes with "Toccata concertata," a concerted toccata that brings the concerto to a thrilling finish.

Ginastera's compositions are known for their rhythmic complexity and evocative melodies, and this album is no exception. Whether you're a longtime fan of Ginastera or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a compelling introduction to his unique musical language.