IO YAMADA

Album Description

IO YAMADA, the latest release from Contrastes Music Records, is a captivating collection of classical guitar pieces, set to enchant audiences on 18 October 2024. This exquisite album, featuring the artistry of Manuel Ponce, showcases a diverse range of compositions that will transport you to a world of elegance and refinement.

With a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, IO YAMADA is a masterfully curated selection of works by renowned composers, including Johann Kaspar Mertz, Fernando Sor, Franz Schubert, and Manuel María Ponce. The album's tracklist is a testament to the artist's versatility, with pieces such as "Last Rose of Summer", "Fantasie Villageoise Op.52", and "Tres Canciones Populares Mexicanas" demonstrating a deep understanding of the classical guitar repertoire.

Manuel Ponce's interpretations are characterised by their sensitivity and expressiveness, bringing a new level of depth and nuance to these beloved compositions. The album's highlights include the beautiful "Lob der Tränen from Schubertsche Lieder" and the vibrant "Tiento" by Maurice Ohana, showcasing the artist's technical prowess and emotional range.

The "Variations sur Folia de Espana et Fugue" by Manuel María Ponce is a tour-de-force, featuring 20 intricate variations that showcase the composer's ingenuity and craftsmanship. Other notable pieces include "Estrellita" and "Cara y Ceca" by Maximo Diego Pujol, which add a touch of modernity and sophistication to the album.

IO YAMADA is a must-listen for fans of classical guitar music, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience that will appeal to both newcomers and aficionados alike. With its unique blend of traditional and contemporary pieces, this album is a testament to Manuel Ponce's artistry and a celebration of the beauty and expressiveness of the classical guitar.

18 okt 2024

2024 Francisco Bernier

2024 Contrastes records

About Manuel Ponce

Manuel María Ponce Cuéllar, affectionately known as Manuel M. Ponce, stands as a towering figure in Mexican music, celebrated for his role in bridging the gap between classical music and traditional Mexican folklore. Born in 1882, Ponce's musical journey began in his native Mexico, but his education took him to Italy and Germany, where he honed his craft. Recognised early on as a child prodigy, Ponce's compositions are deeply rooted in the harmonies and forms of traditional Mexican songs, making him a pivotal figure in Mexican musical nationalism.

Ponce's legacy is vast and varied, encompassing a wide range of works from popular songs and guitar pieces to orchestral compositions. His guitar sonatas, composed between 1923 and 1929 and dedicated to the legendary Andrés Segovia, are particularly notable and constitute the first collection of their kind. Beyond his compositions, Ponce's work as a music educator and scholar has left an indelible mark on Mexican music, elevating the status of guitar music and preserving the rich tapestry of Mexican musical heritage. His influence extends beyond Mexico, with his pedagogical principles and dedication to music education earning him recognition in the Philippines as well. Ponce's contributions continue to inspire and educate, making him a beloved figure in the world of music.