Gabriel Castagna - Fiesta Criolla: Latin-American Orchestral Works (2011)

While much art music comes from countries in the northern hemisphere, excluding such contributions from below the equator -- particularly those from Latin-American countries -- deprives listeners from a wealth of invigorating, robust music. This Chandos disc entitled Fiesta Criolla celebrates the orchestral works of seven such composers from the early and mid-20th century. With the obvious exception of the well-known Astor Piazzolla, the remaining composers are likely little known to most listeners. Like Piazzolla, many of these composers studied in either France of Italy, looking to find a way to synthesize their own nationalistic and folk idioms with art music. In all cases, the results on this disc are thoroughly enjoyable and energizing. Is it possible to sit still while listening to these rousing rhythms, or to be moved by the soulful fluency of the slower melodies? Performing these neglected treasures is the Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen under Gabriel Castagna. The Argentinean conductor puts the German orchestra through its paces to produce a nimble, briskly articulate sound with a rich, full tone. It plays with every bit of panache and sensuousness that transforms these compositions into true crowd pleasers. Violinist Nora Chastain joins the ensemble for Theodo Valcárcek Caballero's enticing violin concerto, Concierto indio. Castagna and his orchestra could easily make a successful, long-term project out of recording these tragically overlooked works from this region.