Customer Reviews

Danzón

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Excellent disc (if you enjoy modern classical music). I actually think the Chaconne was rightfully included, since it is Latin American in origin. Below is what I found in the Britannica:

"The sarabande and the chaconne were brought from Central America / Mexico before 1600. Both were considered outspokenly obscene in their suggestions of sexual encounters. They became extremely popular in the harbours of Andalusia, where they were polished and their pantomimic literalness somewhat moderated. From there they crossed the Pyrenees and were integrated into the canon of the French court dance."

When I first heard this extraordinay CD, I immediately selected in my CD player three works to be played again in the following order of my preferences: "Convergencias" by MARLOS NOBRE, "Danzón 2" by Marquez and "Janitzio" by Silvestre. Those three latin-american masterpieces are the best symphonic modern music I had ever heard in the last 20 years! the orchestral sound of the Simon Bolivar Symphony conducted by Keri-Lynn Wilson is a joy forever! And Marlos Nobre became my favourite contemporary composer, after hearing this masterpiece of orchestral writing, of coerence, architectural construction and latin-american violence and brilliance. I have now three different CDs with different recordings of this modern masterpiece, one by Lemán Classics conducted by the composer and the New Music Philharmonia;another by Delos with Eleazar de Carvalho conducting the Paraiba Symphony, and the present CD which is a marvelous performance.

Brilliantly executed. Crisp, clear, sharp orchestra performance. The title track is one of the most fascinating pieces of music I have ever encountered. I withhold one star only because some of the album's content, such as the Buxtehude piece, seem out of place in the company of delights such as the Danzón and the Metro Chabacano. I look forward to more recordings of Keri-Lynn Wilson and the Simón Bolívar Orchestra.

I can honestly say that it has been a long time since a piece of music has hit me in such a profound way! I loved Danzon #2. I think Wilson does a wonderful job...you will not be disappointed!

I ran across this piece on a Deutsche Welle broadcast over PBS - this piece is so elegant, so perfect in its simplicity - an absolute jewel, among the finest string music I have ever heard. I fortunately had recorded it on tape and immediately replayed it. A gem, a rare find.

The rest of the cd - OK from what I could hear from the samples. Of course, not really sufficient evidence ... why they had to include Buxtehude ??? BTW the orchestra is absolutely first-rate. I would pay serious attention to other Dorian releases by them, especially from the better-known composers like Villa-Lobos and Chavez. But who kows - quite possibly there lurk one or more little-known gems like the 'Metro" in those too.

This CD was a pig in the poke for me -- I'd never heard of any of the composers except for Chavez, or the orchestra, or the conductor. It was really for my sister, who teaches Spanish. But once I put it in my CD player, it stayed there for several days. I couldn't get enough of it -- especially the title work by Arturo Marquez. It's infectious and intoxicating! A few of the pieces are less interesting, but all are fun.
I've also found out a little about the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, and it's exciting to know that classical music is becoming an important part of life in Venezuela. Bravo -- or should I say ole'?

At least they're unknown to me, and it's always nice to hear good music by young (comparatively) composers -- especially music that brings another culture to life.

This is the first I've heard of (and from) conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson, but I'm so impressed that I hope we'll hear more from her and this fine orchestra soon.

Regarding the comment below, I believe Carlos Chavez, who orchestrated the Buxtehude chaconne on this CD, is from Mexico, and that seems to me qualification enough for a disc of Latin American music. Besides, how can you argue with such great results?

This was my introduction to most of the composers on this CD, and I'd love to hear more of them. Listen to the Three Cuban Dances by Alejandro Garcia Caturla -- wow! Great music, great playing.

i bought this just for the Danzon No.2 track, which is probably my favorite orchestral piece of all time. The other tracks are nice as well.

Loved the Danzon No 2 composition and performance. Don't yet feel the same about the other tracks