Itinerarios

Crossing America with Miguel del Aguila

James Baker — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:06:37 +0000

Miguel del Aguila's website describes him as "An internationally recognized compositional voice and talent, Miguel del Aguila creates fresh, spontaneous music often colored by Latin and World Music idioms, and with a healthy respect for the classical tradition and form. What results is a captivating interplay of classical balance and romantic excess.

Hekel Tavares, The Master Of Brazilian Folklore

James Baker — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 01:11:24 +0000

We often speak of certain Brazilian composers suffering in the shadow of Heitor Villa-Lobos. After all, he was the one who possessed not only musical genius, but also the ability to attract attention.

He was, in many ways, bigger than life, which made it a struggle for other very able composers to be seen and heard. These others included Camargo Guarnieri, Franciso Mignone and Claudio Santoro. The music of these composers is still struggling to be heard outside of Brazil.

Latin American String Quartet Celebrates 30 Years

James Baker — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 08:19:49 +0000

In many ways, KPAC and the Cuarteto Latinoamericano have lived parallel lives over the past 30 years. San Antonio's cultural profile would be quite different today if not for KPAC's dedication to providing great music around the clock for the greater San Antonio area. For these same three decades, the Latin American String Quartet has emerged as the essential champion of Latin American music for string quartet. Long may both these cultural institutions survive.

Eduardo Mata: A Documentary Film

James Baker — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 23:00:42 +0000

Last year (2012) was a Mexico-wide -- and even international -- year of reflection upon the life and career of the Mexican composer and conductor Eduardo Mata. He would have been 70 years old, if not for his tragic death, much too young, in 1995.

Olivia Gorra: Still The Pride Of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz

James Baker — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 21:43:26 +0000

It was 10 years ago that I met the remarkable Mexican soprano Olivia Gorra, at the 2003 Festival Internacional de Cervantino. She had just made her Metropolitan Opera debut in Turandot, with more performances to come.

A Festive Brazilian New Year

James Baker — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 05:56:26 +0000

A special piece written by Marin Alsop on NPR included a photo of her conducting the Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra in a concert on a Brazilian beach. Twenty thousand listeners attended! Wow! An outdoor concert in December?

A look at the latest weather forecasts for points in South America quickly reminds us that it is presently Summertime (and one would hope the livin’ is easy) throughout the Southern Hemisphere.

Had Enough Christmas Carols? Try Something Different

James Baker — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 21:03:53 +0000

Sometimes I think that the endless loop of Christmas songs at the HEB at Wurzbach and I-10 gets stuck and begins repeating the same phrase over and over, like a stuck record. Poor Ella just can't seem to get to the next phrase, and when she does she ends up stuck there.

Interpreting Frida Kahlo (Through Music)

James Baker — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:45:05 +0000

Mention Frida Kahlo and we immediately think of the painter and the wide range of self portraits she produced during her troubled -- and at times anguished -- life. A recent recording by the Dublin Drag Orchestra with vocalist Clara Sanabras brings to light another side of Kahlo: occasional poet and writer. "La Vida Callada," ("The Unspoken Life") is included on the recently issued "¡Viva Frida!" from the Heresy record label.

Carlos Franzetti: Modern Tanguero Or Orchestra Master?

James Baker — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 17:31:10 +0000

The opening lines of Carlos Franzetti's resume pretty much sum it up:

"Composer/conductor Carlos Franzetti's musical range seems to know no limits. Symphonic and chamber works, big band and Latin jazz and film scores have all been the focus of his vast talent."

On Itinerarios This Week: The 2012 Latin Grammys

James Baker — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 07:26:39 +0000

The Grammys are important even if they relegate most of the classical awards to the afternoon well before the television cameras begins to roll, and it's much the same at the Latin Grammys, except more intimate, according to recording editor and mastering engineer Paul Blakemore.