This highly enjoyable collection presents Argentinian piano works written during the 1920s. Exemplifying the disc’s title, Carlos Guastavino’s wistful and reflective 10 Cantos populares evokes nostalgia for the Old World of Europe, while the playful tangos of Pedro Saenz’s Aquel Buenos Aires evokes the vibrant spirit of the new continent. These, along with Gilardo Gilardi’s Cantares de mi cantar, are multi-movement works that make up the bulk of the program.
The interleaving shorter works explore the varied musical character of Argentina, from Horacio Salgan’s saucy, sexy Don Agustin Bardi, to Floro Meliton Ugarte’s somberly dancing Vidala, which laments the suffering of the native Indians. Osmar Maderna’s Lluvia de estrellas is Chopin’s “Minute” Waltz turned upside down and rendered Argentina-style. The program ends in a virtuoso flourish with Julian Plaza’s scintillating Nocturna.
Virtuoso also describes the work of pianist Mirian Conti, who performs the wide range of musical styles here with infectious verve and impeccable musicianship. The recording is an object lesson in how to capture the sound of a grand piano and then to convincingly, realistically reproduce it. If all you know of Argentinian music is Astor Piazzolla (which some of this music anticipates), you’re in for a real treat with this generously filled (78 minutes) disc. Highly recommended.
