Ponce, M: Estrellita (Little Star)

Tasmin Little’s formidable technical ability and gift for interpretation are unmistakable in this collection of showpieces. Displaying her brilliant virtuosity and captivating lyricism, and including her own witty Tchaikovskiana, written in collaboration with John Lenehan, these works highlight Little’s breathtaking skill as a performer.

Stunning debut disc on Warner violinist Classics & Jazz by young English Charlie Siem.

Recorded: Wyastone Concert Hall, Monmouth

Dates: July 26th and 27th 2010

In March 2010, Rolando Villazón returned to the recording studio with a beautiful selection of “classic” Mexican songs. The album, which is being released in conjunction with major European and Mexican tours, ties in with two important Mexican anniversary celebrations: the Centennial of the Revolution and the Bicentennial of the Independence movement.

Rolando has chosen the true standards of Latin American music – international favorites like Granada, Noche de Ronda, Bésame mucho, Perfidia, Cielito lindo, México lindo e querido, Cucurrucucú paloma and Solamente una vez. But he is also taking a classical approach. All the songs have been newly arranged for chamber ensemble – some by the album’s producer, multi-talent Gonzalo Grau, who has recorded over 50 CDs in a diversity of styles and instruments, bridging the classical and popular music worlds.

This new album is positioned to build on the success of Rolando’s preceding album on DG (Handel) – which recorded the highest pop-chart entry in Germany – and his bestselling UK album (Tenor), which has sold more than 65,000 units within three months!

Manuel Ponce was the founder of Mexican musical nationalism, often incorporating the melodies of harmonised folk–songs into his music. Widely travelled – he studied in Europe, at first in Bologna and then, between 1925 and 1933, as a pupil of Dukas in Paris – Ponce assimilated a wide range of styles and influences, including European– influenced Romanticism, indigenous idioms and a more advanced harmonic language.

This is the first of eight volumes devoted to Ponce’s complete piano music.

His profound mastery of vocal technique, his awareness of his own abilities and his limitations enabled him to preserve his voice throughout a long career. The recordings on this CD are taken from Kraus’s first records. The selection of songs is taken from his two 1958 LPs.

This CD is a collection of pieces for the guitar by Spanish and Latin-American 20th century composers, including Llobet, de Falla, Asencio and Brouwer. Zaytseva describes the overall atmosphere as one of recollection, which suits the guitar very well. She combines artistry and virtuosity and has received great praise from audiences and critics alike.

The recording boasts an impressive line-up of artists including Ruth Rogers on violin, Gemma Rosefield on cello, Spanish pianist Jose Menor, soprano Laura Mitchell, percussion from the O-Duo, Vietnamese accordion player Phuong Nguyen, Venezuelan singer Luzmira Zerpa and the famous Sacconi String Quartet.

Highlights include the world premiere recording of Alec Roth’s ‘Quintet for Guitar and Strings’, written especially for the Sacconi Quartet and Morgan Szymanski as well as the first recording of Simone Iannarelli’s ‘Valzer Brillante’ for guitar and strings.

Other featured composers include Manuel M. Ponce, Astor Piazzolla, Leo Brouwer, Paulo Bellinati and Antonio Lauro.

Sketches of Mexico is a unique collaboration combining Mexican music and the work of twenty visual artists from UK, Mexico, Portugal and China. A visual and auditory journey not to be missed!