The Latin Muse
Pianist Nancy Tsou brings fire and tenderness to Spanish and Latin American works by Piazzolla, Granados, de Falla, Albéniz and Ginastera. Chosen for intensity of feeling, the programme is played with deep sympathy for the Latin idiom.
Enrique Granados composer
Manuel de Falla composer
Isaac Albéniz composer
Alberto Ginastera composer
Nancy was brought up in Argentina and has an uncanny sympathy for the Latin idiom. Each piece was chosen for one quality only: its intensity of feeling. The fire and tenderness of a great repertory are what she conveys.
On this recording the music is played on the instrument for which it was composed, except for Piazzolla. The arrangements of Oblivion and Milonga del Angel are by Zunini and Cosentino.
The music of Spain and Latin America – scarcely has it begun before we know exactly where it comes from. A few notes and we are transported to the world of fiestas and flamenco, to the high plains and a proud people. We do not need to hear the sound of guitars or castanets, the melodies and harmonies are enough. It is music as crisp and spare as modern architecture, but with a richness of melody and invention not heard since Bach.
Reviews
The Latin Muse presents some of the best-known works of five Hispanic composers performed by pianist Nancy Tsou. Nancy spent the early years of her childhood growing up in Argentina, absorbing the ubiquitous Latin music, its wonderful colours, and its free and vibrant spirit. She established a deep and sympathetic connection to the Latin culture and music.
It is impossible to praise Nancy Tsou’s playing too highly – accurate, rhythmical and exciting. Many of the works she plays are usually heard being played by musical groups but she loses none of the nuances and, above all, the music is imbued with strongly Hispanic sensitivities.
Artists
Nancy Tsou
Nancy Tsou (pronounced "Zo") was born to a diplomatic family of the Republic of China (Taiwan). She began her musical education at age five, in Argentina, and continued her studies in Melbourne and New York.
Astor Piazzolla
Astor Piazzolla turned the tango into something sharper, more restless and chamber-like. His nuevo tango draws jazz harmony and classical counterpoint into the dance without blunting its edge.
Enrique Granados
Enrique Granados was born in Lérida in 1867. He studied the piano and composition in Barcelona and then in Paris, returning to Barcelona in 1889, and won distinction as a pianist and popularity in Spain with his zarzuelas and piano music.
Manuel de Falla
Manuel de Falla (1876–1946) was a Spanish composer and pianist, one of Spain’s most important musicians of the first half of the twentieth century. A modest output carries a strong Andalusian stamp and, later, a leaner neoclassical voice.
Isaac Albéniz
Isaac Albéniz (1860–1909) was a Spanish pianist and composer whose piano music, steeped in folk idioms, helped give Spanish art music a distinctive national voice.
Alberto Ginastera
Alberto Ginastera’s music pulls Argentine folk and gaucho tradition into classical form: dances and songs of direct national colour give way to later scores where those roots turn abstract, fierce and rhapsodic.
Audio previews
Tracks
- Oblivion Astor Piazzolla 4:29
- Milonga del Angel Astor Piazzolla 5:31
- Libertango Astor Piazzolla 3:23
- Spanish Dance, Op. 37, no. 5 Andaluza Enrique Granados 4:42
- Goyescas Intermezzo Enrique Granados 4:26
- The Three-Cornered Hat Danse du Meunier (Dance of the Miller) Manuel de Falla 2:14
- La Vida Breve Manuel de Falla 3:36
- No. 1: Asturias 6:32
- No. 3: Sous le Palmier 4:32
- Danza del viejo boyero (Dance of the old herdsman) 1:30
- Danza de la moza donosa (Dance of the delightful young lady) 2:36
- Danza del gaucho matrero (Dance of the artful herdsman) 3:31
Cantos d’España, Op. 232 Isaac Albéniz
Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2 Alberto Ginastera
Performers
Where to listen
The Latin Muse is available for streaming through Spotify and Apple Music. It can also be purchased through the iTunes Music Store.
The Latin Muse is available as a CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer online ordering.
Product details
- Catalogue number
- MCD 619
- List price
- $25.00 AUD
- Total playing time
- 47 minutes 2 seconds
- Release date
- 16 Aug 2021
- Musical work
copyright - © 2021 Nancy Tsou
- Sound recording
copyright - ℗ 2021 Move Records
- Categories
- Classical, Keyboard
- Genres
- Romantic & Impressionist, World & Cross-cultural
- Barcode
- EAN 9314574061925
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