Bach,J.S. / Banegas - Ricercare - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Greg d'Alessio's Veil offers a cross-section through all the facets encompassing modern classical composition as well as an impressive portrait of the composer's unique voice and development over two decades. Veil's chronological track order allows the listener to follow the progression of both the music and the man behind it. Veil and Thread are D'Alessio's early chamber works, very much reflective of the conviction and clarity characteristic of the young composer, built on a thoughtful yet passionate blend of traditional structure and instrumentation with experimental effects. Enter Sono Solo and the turmoil begins. Befitting the meaning of their Italian title, Sono Solo paints an accurate, solemn portrait of solitude, a soulful, introspective lament that is not without instances of enlightenment and self-assurance. Now's the Time picks up with a higher energy level, intertwining jazz rhythms and harmonies with D'Alessio's ever-present pursuit of a carefully constructed, airy musical architecture. Elements of it are still experimental - but now with the greater determination of a matured composer. After Ending forms the transcendent climax of the album. The two-part work contrasts a profoundly lyrical first movement with a strongly rhythmic finale reminiscent of Shostakovich's late symphonies. They, too, harken back to the stark contrast of the D'Alessio's early work, but now with the aplomb of someone who's confident that he has achieved mastery in his field. What stands out about Veil is the astonishing ease with which two opposing concepts are reconciled The diversity of modern composition in it's widespread applications, and the profoundly personal, individual journey of a singular composer.

This goes to show that Bach is beautiful on any instrument. Zaira Meneses plays Bach on guitar with unusual sensitivity and style. This is anything but mechanical Bach. This is Bach living and breathing on the guitar. Zaira Meneses is among the most exciting performers on the international classical guitar circuit. Her musicality and charisma have delighted audiences on three continents. Zaira Meneses was born in Xalapa, Mexico. From an early age she showed great talent for music, studying both classical guitar and voice. She traveled widely, performing as well with the famed Orquesta de Guitarras. At the age of 17 and as the youngest contestant, she won first prize in an important national concerto competition. This success led to performances of Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez and Concierto Madrigal for two guitars throughout Mexico. Since moving to the USA in 2001, Meneses has built a stellar reputation for her warm sound, limpid technique, and superb natural musicality, performing in many of the great concert halls of the world, including Boston's Jordan Hall, New York City's Alice Tully Hall, and Salzburg's Wiener Saal.

The oldest Bach choir in the United States, The Bach Choir of Bethlehem celebrates it's 120th birthday in 2018. Since it's founding in 1898, the now famous choir has attracted thousands of visitors from across the United States and beyond to the annual Bethlehem Bach Festival in Pennsylvania. Cantata BWV 21, Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis, was composed for various occasions between 1713 and 1714; with nearly every performance it was expanded by additional movements. It should be noted that this recording frames the Bach cantata with two exquisite arias. With Daniel Taylor, Cassandra Lemoine, Rosa Lamoreaux, Benjamin Butterfield, William Sharp & The Bach Festival Orchestra, directed by Greg Funfgeld, this production is grandiose!