Album Description: Oceana is the key work of this album, a composition for orchestra, three guitars, harp and voice, filled with Latin and jazz sounds. It is performed by the acclaimed Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra under conductor Robert Spano (also on Ainadamar), and the multiple Grammy® nominated Brazilian jazz singer Luciana Souza. This piece was Golijov's first commission of a choral work in the spirit of J.S. Bach and became a source of inspiration for La Pasión según San Marcos (St. Mark Passion), a future release on DG.
Tenebrae is a collaboration with the famous Kronos Quartet--one of the most influential ensembles of our time. The meditative work in two movements "is about pain," says Golijov, "but pain seen from inside and from a distance." Despite being Golijov's reflection on today's tormented world, Tenebrae is a work of radiant beauty that offers consolation and a prayer for peace.
Amazon.com: This stunning new CD of music by Argentine composer Osvaldo Golijov is a beauty. The title work, Oceana, is scored for instruments (with prominent guitars and percussion), chorus, and solo vocalist (here, the remarkable samba and jazz stylist Luciana Souza). It sets a poem by Pablo Neruda that praises the transcendent power and beauty of the ocean. Filled with dancing rhythms, the work ebbs and flows, ever-moving and fascinating at every turn. The Kronos Quartet then plays Tenebrae, a two-movement lamentation with long, almost Verdian melodies. Three Songs, sung by Dawn Upshaw, ends the CD. One is a tale about the sad fate of Jews and Gypsies during World War II. The second, "Colorless Moon," is a stunning dirge, and the last, a poem by Emily Dickinson, is also a lament about the inevitability of death. Please don't assume from these descriptions that this disc is depressing. This is stunning, original music that uplifts, and it is performed superbly by all involved. A must. --Robert Levine
Disc 1:
Call
First Wave: 'Oceana Nupical, Cadera De Las Islas' - Rain Train Interlude
Second Wave: 'Quiero Oir Lo Invisible'
Second Call
Third Wave: 'Oceana, Reclina Tu Noche En El Castillo'
Aria: 'Tengo Hambre De No Ser Sino Piedra Marina'
Chorale Of the Reef: 'Oceana, Dame Las Conchas Del Arrecife'
I
II
Night Of the Flying Horses: Close Your Eyes - Doina - Gallop
Derivative pastiche Golijov is all the rage nowadays. Hailed by the New Yorker and the New York Times as the next big thing in classical music, he has all the right credentials to appeal to our politically-correct aesthetic. He's Argentinian, Jewish and American all at the same time. We love the idea of mixed cultural influences, I suppose because it satisfies our liberal longing for a world where everyone gets along just fine. I have enjoyed other Golijov productions, although I doubt his ultimate talent. He's not up there with the greats. In this collection, I realized that he is a superb collector of other peoples' themes and inspirations -- rather than a bone fide creator of his own. There is one movement, superbly sung by Dawn Upshaw, where the setting is just lovely. That's where Golijov excels. But the theme is somebody else's. The first movement with choir and guitars was just tedious. The string quartet section was better but I'd heard it before, or something remarkably similar, on many other Kronos Quartet recordings. If Golijov is really a composer rather than an arranger, I'd like to see him compose.
Anyone notice the cover image? If you're curious, the cover image for this DG release is recycled from Bill Evans and Jim Hall's 1962 'Undercurrent' album.
The songs are the key. I was very curious about this cd and almost picked it up in a store. I decided to check it out online (where I purchased it after streaming a bit) instead. The main offering ('Oceana') was immediately forgettable. It had some interesting sounds but nothing that sticks with you. I still sometimes will play it as something to have on, as some of the rhythms are fun. The main piece is followed up with Kronos Quartet playing a two movement quartet entitled 'Tenebrae'. Initially I was really drawn to this piece. I still like it very much. Its slow and sombre. Not for every mood, but skillfully played and recorded. The three songs, as sung by Dawn Upshaw, are what really shine here. Especially the third one.
In closing I would recomend this cd, so long as you understand it is a mixed offering.
Gorgeous Embracing Experience This is a gorgeous experience, musically, poetically. There is the presence of a great artist -- working with exceptional vocal and instrumental artists and deriving word/image focus from passionate tender rough vibrant poetry and song - that embraced me in a transcendent yet life affirming experience. The roots and yearnings of a people in their culture, their land, their oceans, their traditions, their generations, made personal - speak through. The fine abstract elements create a new universe in which to experience what is essential, unalloyed, rich. I am with this body of work as if it were a great living love in my life. In truth, it is. Osvaldo Golijov: Oceana
Golijov continues to impress Osvaldo Golijov is a terrific composer, bringing exciting new sounds and influences to concert music. If you've not experienced his music, it's an eclectic delight, with primary influences ranging from Argentina, Jewish tradition, and western classical music (with occasional digital elements for good measure). This is substantial, imaginative, superbly crafted music that also manages to be a very accessible and enjoyable.
The performances are first rate, Bob Spano is very gifted conductor and all of the performers are outstanding. Highly recommended for those looking for some fun, adventure, and real stimulation in their listening experiences!
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