Argentinian Contemporary Music Takes Flight
By Ralph Graves
Initially, the album title confused me. But “Alas” (as used here) isn’t a lamentation. Rather, it’s the Argentinian word for “wings.” This release features music by Argentinian composers. And.these works do indeed take flight.
Alberto Ginastera is Argentina’s greatest composer (or at least best-known). He’s represented with his Variaciones concertantes, Op. 23. This work gives many instruments in the orchestra a place in the spotlight. And the musicians of Orchestre de Lutetia handle them deftly.
The title track, “Alas” is also the most recent composition on the album. Gerardo Di Giusto’s fantasy for violin, cello, and orchestra is a high-octane work. De Giusto uses traditional Argentinian dance rhythms to keep things moving. And they provide a sense of urgency throughout the composition.
Patrick Langot, cello, and Alexis Cardenas, violin make a fine team. They make the rhythms snap, and their playing has a fresh, raw sound.
Langot is also featured on Alejandro Iglesias Rossi’s Llorando silencios. This work for solo cello also incorporates many concepts of Argentinian music. , It makes for an effective showpiece. Langot’s performance is assured and engaging.
Langot is also the soloist for Gabriel Sivak’s Descaminos. This is a more contemporary work. Sivek uses masses of sound to create a mysterious world for the cello to explore.
Four composers, four compositions. All are Argentinian, and that’s really the only common denominator. Recommended.
Alas
Patrick Langot, cello; Alexis Cardenas, violin
Orchestre de Lutetia, Alejandro Sandler, conductor
Evidence Classics
