This is the third
disc in Naxos’s Spanish Classics series devoted to
the music of the important Basque composer Jesús Guridi. After
two primarily orchestral outings, attention has turned to
the piano music in the capable hands of Victoria Aja. Although
he travelled extensively whilst studying, much of Guridi’s
musical inspiration derived from his homeland and its folk
music. This is pervasive throughout the disc but most obvious
in the eight uncomplicated but charming Cantos populares
vascos and the powerfully evocative Vasconia. There
is poetry in evidence here and a song-like quality to much
of this music.
The works presented
here span more than forty years of Guridi’s career and are
mostly miniatures although there is some serious meat in Vasconia
and Hagar’s Lament and Curse. The former is in three
movements, an extended central “legend” being framed by Ancient
carillon, which has almost classical restraint and a festive
toccata to finish. Hagar’s Lament and Curse is an impressive
drama with biblical origins.
The Ancient
Dances which open the disc are three musical commentaries
on poems by Victor Espinós, whilst the eight sketches derive
some inspiration from 18th century keyboard music.
Mirentxu is a “Basque operatic idyll” and its waltz
quite characterful. Amanecer and Nostalgia are
early works but not derivative, Guridi had already found his
voice.
This is a delightful
selection of Guridi’s music and Victoria Aja’s playing is
completely idiomatic. She is sensitive to every nuance and
is recorded in pleasingly natural sound which has considerable
depth.
Some minor irritations
– the documentation is a bit thinner than is usual on this
label. The works might have been better presented chronologically
so as to trace the composer’s development. Finally, it is
a pity and unfathomable that only two of the Tres piezas
breves are included. Nevertheless, none of the above should
put anyone off from acquiring this disc since it is perfect
listening for a balmy summer evening. Hurry, there may not
be many more this year.
Patrick
C Waller
see also
Review
by Rob Barnett
Victoria Aja (piano)
