Ginastera

Immerse yourself in the rich, evocative world of Alberto Ginastera's vocal works with this captivating album, released in 2016 to commemorate the centenary of the Argentinian composer's birth. "Ginastera - The Vocal Album" offers a comprehensive exploration of Ginastera's vocal compositions, showcasing his unique blend of traditional Argentine folk music and modern classical techniques.

The album features a stunning array of pieces, including selections from Ginastera's renowned opera "Don Rodrigo," the evocative song cycle "Milena," and the charming "Cinco canciones populares," arranged by Shimon Cohen. Each track is a testament to Ginastera's mastery of orchestration and his deep connection to his cultural heritage.

Performances are brought to life by an impressive ensemble of vocalists and the Santa Barbara Orchestra, conducted by Gisele Ben-Dor. The album's standout moments include the powerful duet "Fortuna!...Fortuna!...El rey en mi aposento?" from "Don Rodrigo," and the hauntingly beautiful "Cantus Finalis - Del infinito" from "Milena."

With a running time of just over 53 minutes, this album is a concise yet powerful introduction to Ginastera's vocal repertoire. Whether you're a longtime fan of Ginastera's music or a newcomer to his work, "Ginastera - The Vocal Album" is an essential addition to your classical music collection. The album was released on Warner Classics and features a stunning performance by Ana Maria Martinez and Virginia Tola.

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.