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LATIN URGENCY

Turina at his best

 

ASV    CD DCA 1066

Record Box

 

As one of the few early twentieth century Spanish composers with ample technique to effectively apply his natural creativity, Joaquin Turina left works capturing the underlying charisma of a Latin race. Herein is buoyancy, a moodiness, the sudden eruption of joix de vivre, and a bitter-sweetness where the two extremes are in a delicate and delicious balance.

Turina. CD DCA 1066. Copyright (c) 1999 ASV Ltd.In the Sinfonia Sevillana of 1920, [listen - track 1, 07:02-07:44] Turina encapsulates a three-movement structure unified by a predominant motif, with a different backcloth to each movement. [listen - track 2, 04:00-04:59] Scoring is exquisite, and well-defined in this recording, so that the effect is a delight to the ear, which one would therefore expect to have realised the composer's intention. [listen - track 3, 00:26-01:14]

The later Ritmos, a dance-fantasy for 'La Argentina', was first heard under the composer's direction in 1928. It represents a journey from darkness to light. In the years since the Sinfonia, a maturity was realised that provides a greater strength to all elements and their bonding. [listen - track 8, 06:12-07:09]

A question mark I've left to the end. Evangelio from 1915 is rather non-descript. Pleasant but with no feeling of urgency, it may be disregarded without damaging Turina's contribution to music.

I feel that this CD could prove addictive.

 

Copyright © 19 January 2000 by Basil Ramsey, Eastwood, Essex, UK

 

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Record Box is Music & Vision's regular Wednesday series of shorter CD reviews