Aurora Nátola-Ginastera - Alberto Ginastera: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (2009)

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Aurora Nátola-Ginastera - Alberto Ginastera: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (2009)

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Argentinean Alberto Ginastera was among the most successful mid-twentieth century composers in retaining the populist accessibility of his early works while incorporating elements of serialism as his style developed. His later works may not have the hummable melodies or propulsive rhythmic drive of his early period, but they have a comparable dramatic logic and emotional directness, which give them an immediate appeal. His two cello concertos, written in 1968 and 1981, are clearly "modernist" works of his late period, but they are warmly lyrical, intensely dramatic, and orchestrated with intriguing inventiveness. In their slow sections, they are also prime examples of the mysterious, gorgeously evocative atmospherics of which Ginastera was a master throughout his career. The performances here have the additional interest of being performed by the composer's widow, Aurora Nátola-Ginastera, who clearly has an intimate familiarity with the music's emotional content, as well as the refined technique and musicianship to put the concertos across with complete assurance. Although she is not well known in the U.S., Casals called her "one of the most outstanding cellists of her generation," and she received similar accolades from Rostropovich. These concertos are works that deserve broader exposure, and these performances are fully persuasive. Max Bragado Darman leads Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León in energetic and nuanced readings of the scores. The recorded sound isn't absolutely clean by the highest modern standards, but the ear quickly adjusts as the music begins to weave its spell.

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Aurora Nátola-Ginastera - Alberto Ginastera: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (2009)

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