Composer
Gabriel Erkoreka
, from Basque country, was trained by English modernists, and his music tends to reflect the latter influence. There are said to be Basque elements in his work, and the composer indicates an influence in natural phenomena; the title of the cello concerto
Ekaitza
means "storm." However, these are hard to hear in more than a general way; these are modernist works, with the booklet notes containing musical-aesthetic ideas and even referring to
Hegel
at one point.
Erkoreka
is an expert orchestrator. These are works for a conventional orchestra, but they sound almost electronic at times. Consider the opening movement of the
Piano Concerto "Piscis"
(Pisces, the composer's astrological sign) with its rapidly repeated high piano notes. These pose quite a challenge for the performer, and indeed, the level of virtuosity here is high, with pianist
Alfonso Gómez
, cellist
Asier Polo
, and the
Basque National Orchestra
under conductor
Juanjo Mena
all showing command of whatever is thrown at them. Indeed, the most attractive feature of this music is its combination of rigorous modernist method with true virtuoso writing that is sympathetic to the performers. The central
Tres Sonetos de Michelangelo
are sung by countertenor
Carlos Mena
, younger brother of the conductor, effective even though he is far from his usual Baroque haunts. This album may be recommended to listeners interested in modernist music that's ultimately rooted in national or regional traditions. ~ James Manheim