The music is performed expertly by the Royal Philharmonic, State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra of Mexico City, all conducted by the distinguished Mexican conductor Enrique Batiz and features soloists Henryk Szerying on violin and Jorge Federico Osario on piano. A definitive set that is compelling, different and mesmerizing, this fine collection deserves very serious consideration.
Nationalism in music wasn't the province of just European nations. Other countries around the globe were also part of this modern movement, a development emphasizing and celebrating the culture, people and history of a particular region and country, especially those that were shackled by tyrannical or foreign rule.
The Mexican revolution of 1910 swept away the long dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz and brought about momentous changes to all aspects of Mexican life and society, not least the arts where the rich mix of ancient Aztec, native Indian, colonial Spanish and 19th century European influences provided fertile ground from which a new and distinctively Mexican culture was to spring. In the forefront of those involved in the creation of a new musical voice for Mexico were Manuel Ponce, Carlos Chávez and Silvestre Revueltas.
As delightful as it is interesting, this boxed set of eight CDs features the music of Mexico's greatest composers. It is music that is sunny, serious, barbaric, soulful, modern and full of life. Manuel Ponce, who may be considered the father of the Mexican nationalist school, wrote in traditional European genres and his piano and violin concertos are featured as well as his sultry tone poems and popular guitar works.
The music of Carlos Chávez includes "Chapultepec," which quotes from the famous march "Zacatecas." Chávez was extremely influential in the "Aztec Renaissance" that flourished during his lifetime. He was, like Vaughan Williams and Bartók, a collector and cataloguer of native songs and music.
Revueltas may be considered the polar opposite of Chávez, not only in manner but in compositional approach. He composed works that were humorous and were intended to provoke thought. During his short but productive life, he wrote film music, chamber music, songs and other works. Among his orchestral pieces is the symphonic poem "Sensemayá." It is based on a poem that invokes a chant for killing a snake. His most famous work, it is vigorous, rhythmically vital and may remind listeners of Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" with its driving energy complete with pounding rhythm and syncopated brass interjections. --Terrence London
8 CDs · MP3 320 · 1.09 GB
The Mexican revolution of 1910 swept away the long dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz and brought about momentous changes to all aspects of Mexican life and society, not least the arts where the rich mix of ancient Aztec, native Indian, colonial Spanish and 19th century European influences provided fertile ground from which a new and distinctively Mexican culture was to spring. In the forefront of those involved in the creation of a new musical voice for Mexico were Manuel Ponce, Carlos Chávez and Silvestre Revueltas.
As delightful as it is interesting, this boxed set of eight CDs features the music of Mexico's greatest composers. It is music that is sunny, serious, barbaric, soulful, modern and full of life. Manuel Ponce, who may be considered the father of the Mexican nationalist school, wrote in traditional European genres and his piano and violin concertos are featured as well as his sultry tone poems and popular guitar works.
The music of Carlos Chávez includes "Chapultepec," which quotes from the famous march "Zacatecas." Chávez was extremely influential in the "Aztec Renaissance" that flourished during his lifetime. He was, like Vaughan Williams and Bartók, a collector and cataloguer of native songs and music.
Revueltas may be considered the polar opposite of Chávez, not only in manner but in compositional approach. He composed works that were humorous and were intended to provoke thought. During his short but productive life, he wrote film music, chamber music, songs and other works. Among his orchestral pieces is the symphonic poem "Sensemayá." It is based on a poem that invokes a chant for killing a snake. His most famous work, it is vigorous, rhythmically vital and may remind listeners of Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" with its driving energy complete with pounding rhythm and syncopated brass interjections. --Terrence London
8 CDs · MP3 320 · 1.09 GB
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