Ester Pineda & Ariane Granjon - Résonances: Narcis Bonet - Federico Mompou (2021) [Hi-Res]

The Catalan identity certainly is the most obvious link between the various musical pieces gathered on this album: through language and culture, of course, but also through its nature, landscape, light, atmosphere, the songs and dances of its people. Both Frederic Mompou (1893-1987) and Narcís Bonet (1933-2019) were born in Barcelona and never ceased to sing their visceral attachment to Catalonia and their deep love for their homeland. Although separated by more than a generation, the two men shared a long and faithful friendship while in Barcelona and Paris, the French capital having undoubtedly played a catalytic role in the evolution of their musical language. As a teenager, when she was still a piano student at the Conservatori Superior of Barcelona, Ester Pineda played for Mompou, who listened to her with great interest. This is yet another trace of the encounters that bestow a united tone upon this album; indeed, Pineda has often been asked to perform this composer in concerts, particularly in Paris to commemorate the centenary of his birth. (She has recorded a CD entirely dedicated to him on the Vde-Gallo label). She also knew Narcís Bonet very well, sharing with him both friendly and artistic affinities.