Search - Alberto Ginastera, Gabriel Castagna, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra :: Ginastera: Pampeana

Da-da-da da-da-da Da-da-da da-da-da Da-da-da da-da-da DAA DA

B. R. Merrick | 05/03/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"And if you don't know what that's in reference to, or if you're not yet that familiar with Ginastera, prepare yourself for the wild, frenetic ending of the Estancia Suite!



This is foot-stomping, rhythmically relentless orchestral fare. Ginastera drives the music like an unstoppable machine. Modern Spanish composers like Turina and de Falla tend to focus more on the melodic and harmonic aspects of the music. With Ginastera, you have an entirely different conception and application of Latin sound. Perhaps the difference is the influence from South America rather than Spain.



However you look at it, Castagna takes the Berlin Symphony through their paces on this CD. He's not afraid to let the percussion take over, nor does he hold back much with Ginastera's bold, blended harmonies. The reverberation in the hall sends the louder passages into the rafters. This is great music-making.



Be aware, however, that the tracks for "Glosses sobre temes de Pau Casals" do not play gapless in iTunes if downloaded. You will need to buy and burn the CD in order to achieve gapless playback."