Ginastera: Popol vuh

Album Description

Dive into the rich tapestry of Alberto Ginastera's orchestral masterpieces with this compelling collection, released by Naxos in 2010. Conducted by the esteemed Gisèle Ben-Dor, this album offers a panoramic view of Ginastera's evocative compositions, each piece drawing inspiration from the vibrant cultures and landscapes of Argentina and the broader Meso- and South American regions.

The album opens with selections from Ginastera's "Estancia," a ballet that captures the essence of Argentine gaucho life, followed by the rhythmic energy of the "Suite de danzas criollas." The suite's five movements, ranging from the serene "Adagietto pianissimo" to the lively "Scherzando - Coda: Presto ed energico," showcase Ginastera's mastery of orchestration and his deep connection to his cultural heritage.

"Panambi," another ballet, transports listeners to the mythical world of the Guarani people, with its dramatic "Danza de los Guerreros" and the mystical "Invocacion a los Espiritus Poderosos." The album also features "Ollantay," a work inspired by the legendary Inca drama, and the monumental "Popol Vuh," a symphonic poem based on the ancient Mayan creation myth. This eight-movement epic is a testament to Ginastera's ability to weave complex narratives through music, from the primordial "La Noche de los Tiempos" to the triumphant "El Amanecer de la Humanidad."

With a duration of over an hour, this album is a comprehensive introduction to Ginastera's orchestral works, conducted with precision and passion by Gisèle Ben-Dor. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Ginastera's music or a newcomer to his compositions, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.

1 december 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.