Danzas Cubanas

1. Zapateo Cubano

2. Alegre

3. Cervantina

4. Alterada

5. Tu y Yo

6. Siempre en Clave

7. Bailarina

8. Recordando Al Maestro

9. Piquiña

10. Cromatica

11. Entre la y Re

12. Cubanasa

13. Trece

14. Danza Nocturno

15. Encaje Habanero

16. Cascabel

Danzas Cubanas,Rene Touset,Sony International,Tropical

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Average customer rating: Cuban Landscapes for the Guitar boring! New and Interesting Pleasant ambient listening Excellent

Cuba! / Manuel Barrueco Hector Angulo , and Carlos Farinas Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Lecuona | Lecuona, Ernesto | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Manuel Barrueco ~ Cantos y Danzas / Hendricks · Pahud Manuel Barrueco Plays Albéniz & Turina Nylon & Steel Manuel Barrueco Plays Lennon & McCartney Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez & Fantasia para un Gentilhombre; Manuel Barrueco ASIN: B00000IG2V Release Date: 1999-04-06

Tracks:

1. La Comparsa
2. Danza Lecumi
3. A la Antigua
4. Preludio
5. Cancion Triste
6. Preludio
7. New York Rush
8. Cantos Yoruba de Cuba: I. Asokere I
9. Cantos Yoruba de Cuba: II. Suayo
10. Cantos Yoruba de Cuba: III. Iya mi ile
11. Cantos Yoruba de Cuba: IV. Borotiti
12. Cantos Yoruba de Cuba: V. Asokere II
13. Cantos Yoruba de Cuba: VI. lya mo dupe
14. Cantos Yoruba de Cuba: VII. Yeye bi obi tosuo
15. Cantos Yoruba de Cuba: VIII. E Iekua
16. Cantos Yoruba de Cuba: IX. Asokere III
17. Sonata For Guitar: I. Preludio
18. Sonata For Guitar: II. Variaciones
19. Sonata For Guitar: III. Danza
20. Rito de los Orishas: I. Exordium-conjuro
21. Rito de loc Orishas: II. Danza de las diosas negras

Customer Reviews:

Cuban Landscapes for the Guitar.......2004-01-14

Manuel Barrueco is without a doubt one of the top 3 classical guitar players in the world. (I have been to several performances by the man and outside of fellow guitarist David Russell who would make the top 3, many times I have felt that Barrueco is #1 for our times) On this album, one can find many different sides to Cuban art music, most of them neglected for so long. Highlights of this great album are Ernesto Lecuona's
"Danza Lucumi", a beautiful prelude by Leo Brouwer, a most mesmerizing and memorable rumba-based composition in Enrique Ubieta's "New York Rush"; Leo Brouwer's "Rito de los Orishas" will send shivers down your spine in its first section and in the section one will find many beautiful Afro-Cuban melodies and rhythms. Like most of Brouwer's music and with all good music in fact, one must listen to it with complete focus and attention or else one will miss the boat completely. An elegant and powerful album from possibly the best classical guitarist of our times. 5 stars

boring!.......2002-03-19

this is the dullest recording i have ever heard--not to mention boring.

New and Interesting.......2000-06-30

This delightful album is a wonderful introduction to a body of overlooked compositions and composers. These works are engaging, melodic, and atmospheric. The recording again demonstrates why Barueco is the most interesting classical guitarist performing today. He consistently animates works to a level seldom achieved. Anyone weary of the usual classical guitar repertoire is well advised to seek out this recording.

Pleasant ambient listening.......1999-06-11

None of the music here seems to come out of Cuba as a necessity, if you catch my meaning. Any Latin American composer could have turned out most of what is on this disc. On the other hand, the fact that all the composers are Cuban is reason enough, I suppose, to justify the title of this CD. Yet all this is beside the point. It is the music that should concern us. While none of it is strikingly original or even tuneful, there are moments of beauty, now brooding, now not quite as melancholy. But I cannot see myself wanting to give any of it close second hearings; although I will play it as ambient music and as a contrast to the more "popular" Giuliani, De Falla, Sor, et alia that usually are represented on collections such as this.

Excellent.......1999-06-09

At last a maestro of the guitar releases a music CD expressing the other side of Cuban music that we seldom see. He brings to light the wonderfully expressive music of otherwise little heard contemporary composers. We constantly hear "salsa" and jazz influences in Cuban music, but seldom the serious, more elaborate side that also exists. This CD bridges that gap and gives a feel for the other side.

Average customer rating: CONTINUING THE DEFINITIVE LECUONA SERIES WOW! INCREDIBLE MUSIC AND PLAYING PIANIST OF PIANISTS PERFECTION: PIANO PLAYING DOESEN"T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS

Ernesto Lecuona: The Complete Piano Music, Volume 4 Ernesto Lecuona , Michael Bartos , Thomas Tirino , Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra , and Silesian Philharmonic Chorus Manufacturer: Bis ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Lecuona | Lecuona, Ernesto | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ernesto Lecuona: The Complete Piano Music, Volume 5 Ernesto Lecuona: The Complete Piano Music, Volume 3 Ernesto Lecuona: The Complete Piano Music, Vol. 2 Ernesto Lecuona: The Complete Piano Music, Volume 1 Ultimate Collection ASIN: B0000016PP Release Date: 1999-02-15

Tracks:

1. Rumba - Rhapsody - Alexandra Montano
2. No Hables Mas!
3. No Puedo Contigo
4. Ahi Viene El Chino
5. Por Que Te Vas?
6. Lola Esta De Fiesta
7. En Tres Por Cuatro
8. Amorosa
9. Futurista
10. La Primera En La Frente
11. A La Antigua (El Tanguito De Mama)
12. Impromptu
13. La Danza Interrumpida
14. La Mulata
15. Arabesque
16. Ella Y Yo
17. La Cardenense
18. A Fin Te Vi!
19. Los Minstrel's
20. Vals Gitano
21. A Media Noche
22. Parisiana
23. Musetta
24. Vals Del Danubio
25. Broken Blossoms
26. Noches De Primavera
27. Vals De La Mariposa
28. Vals Azul
29. Paso Doble De Los Mantones

Customer Reviews:

CONTINUING THE DEFINITIVE LECUONA SERIES.......2004-09-14

In Each volume, Tirino's playing is Herculean. He understands all the forms-and then plays them flawlessly with total feel, command, poise, and technical panache this music requires. The rumba will have you begging for more! I don't think anyone could ever surpass the perfection Tirino brings to his Lecuona disks. Gold standard.

WOW!.......2001-05-17

I love this disc. Tirino is extraordinary from the first note to the last. How dare anyone call this great artist any other name but MAESTRO. This is a must have for any music lover. In fact, this is my favorite disk out of the whole Lecuona series on BIS. Get it, or you'll be waiting till the end of time for a better recording by any artist on these works, or on any Lecuona for that matter. 5 stars plus 100!

INCREDIBLE MUSIC AND PLAYING.......2001-05-04

This disc is fabulous from begining to end. Tirino is phenomenal-don't even DARE to think otherwise! This music swings and is beautiful from top to bottom. I'm going to buy all the discs in this series-if they are as good as this one, boy-I'm in for a treat. Highly recommended.

PIANIST OF PIANISTS.......2001-04-24

What more can be said of Tirino and his recordings of Lecuona's music except TOTAL, ABSOLUTE PERFECTION. This disc stands out for several reasons: The spirited Rumba with voices and chorus, and the Danzas Cubanas which are real gems. (as well as Vals Gitano). These danzas require EXTREME Left hand control of technique along with many colors and swing. I as a Cuban know this very well. I have never heard these pieces played better. Tirino's HUGE technique, beautiful sound, varied phrasing, and delicate subtelties never fail to amaze the listener-its incredible. Forget any negative comments-they are silly, stupid and uniformed. A better pianist, and better playing of this music you will never, EVER hear. If you want the best recordings of Lecuona's music, Tirino's series on the BIS label is IT. Get Lecuona's own recordings as well, as a point of reference. ENJOY!

PERFECTION: PIANO PLAYING DOESEN"T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS.......2001-04-24

I own the entire Tirino/Lecuona series on the BIS label and I am a teacher at a major musical institution. I have heard a lot of piano playing in my life, including much Latin American piano music, which I have a special affinity for. Simply stated: Tirino plays this music like a God. Pianism of this high a calibre dosen't get any better. Period. Of all the discs in this series, this one is my favorite,(along with Volume 3). The rumba sizzles, and Tirino infuses it with breadth, stylistic colors and rhythm with real panache. And he wrote the Spanish lyric himself! Amazing. Tirino's technical skills are monumental, BIG, Lisztian in ability, certainly far above "Clementi" or "Scarlatti", good heavens. His playing is perfect for Lecuona-in fact-for ANYTHING. Beyond staggering technique he has a singing quality and subtelty of nuance and phrasing rarely heard nowadays-flexibility of sound with thousands of variations in phrasing, tone, dynamic, and pedal subtelties that make his musicianship stand FAR above many others. His tone is rich, full, NEVER BANGING (enough already, please!), aristocratic-never vulgar. Anyone who really knows good piano playing will hear it. Tirino's playing is very warm. The Danzas Cubanas (especially Lola esta de Fiesta) are magical. Put on Lecuona's recordings and compare them side by side to Tirino's. AMAZINGLY IDENTICAL! Fact: Tirino has been recognized as the Lecuona authority in the world for a reason-TIME magazine, The New York Times, and Stereo Review can't be wrong. Neither is the Lecuona family, who have endorsed his recordings, interpretations and work. There might not even be a discussion about Lecuona these days, had it not been for the work of Tirino.

In summary-Tirino is a GREAT artist and one would be hard pressed to imagine anyone else coming along and improving on his recordings. Comments made to the contrary can be dismissed as silly, uninformed vulgarity. If you want to hear great Lecuona, and great Piano playing by a tremendous artist, this disc and others in this series are for you. If not, it might be advisable to learn music, and re-wire your brain to try and listen differently.

Average customer rating: DEFINITIVE LECUONA RECORDINGS AN AUTHORITY ON LECUONA FROM ANOTHER AUTHORITY Kudos for Tirino! "The real thing" Lecuona Reincarnated Bravo!

Ernesto Lecuona: The Complete Piano Music, Volume 3 Ernesto Lecuona , Michael Bartos , Thomas Tirino , and Polish National Radio Symphony Manufacturer: Bis ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Lecuona | Lecuona, Ernesto | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ernesto Lecuona: The Complete Piano Music, Volume 4 Ernesto Lecuona: The Complete Piano Music, Vol. 2 Ernesto Lecuona: The Complete Piano Music, Volume 5 Ernesto Lecuona: The Complete Piano Music, Volume 1 Ultimate Collection ASIN: B0000016O3 Release Date: 1996-09-10

Tracks:

1. Danzas Afro-Cubanas: Rapsodia Cuban (On Cuban Airs)
2. Danzas Afro-Cubanas: La Congo de Media Noche
3. Danzas Afro-Cubanas: Danza Negra
4. Danzas Afro-Cubanas: ...Y la Negra Bailaba!
5. Danzas Afro-Cubanas: Danzas de los Nanigos
6. Danzas Afro-Cubanas: Danza Lucumi
7. Danzas Afro-Cubanas: La Comparsa
8. Siete Danzas Cubanas Tipicas: Ni tu, Ni yo
9. Siete Danzas Cubanas Tipicas: Mientras yo comia maullaba un gato
10. Siete Danzas Cubanas Tipicas: Burlesca
11. Siete Danzas Cubanas Tipicas: Mis Tristezas
12. Siete Danzas Cubanas Tipicas: El Mirinaque
13. Siete Danzas Cubanas Tipicas: La 32
14. Siete Danzas Cubanas Tipicas: Como Baila el Muneco!
15. Siete Danzas Cubanas Tipicas: Echate Pa Alla Maria!
16. Valse Fantasticos: Vals Apsionado
17. Valse Fantasticos: Vals Romantico
18. Valse Fantasticos: Vals Poetico
19. Valse Fantasticos: Vals Arabesque
20. Valse Fantasticos: Vals Patetico
21. Valse Fantasticos: Vals Maravilloso
22. Valse Fantasticos: Vals Brillante
23. Valse Fantasticos: Vals Del Nilo
24. Valse Fantasticos: Gardenia
25. Porcelana China: Danza de Munecos
26. Polka de los Enanos
27. Noche de Estrellas
28. Yo te Quiero Siempre

Customer Reviews:

DEFINITIVE LECUONA RECORDINGS.......2004-09-14

Tirino's Lecuona recordings are the definitive ones for all time. The Rapsodia Cubana in particular is something that Cubans like myself will cherish for many years to come. Bravo!

AN AUTHORITY ON LECUONA FROM ANOTHER AUTHORITY.......2001-05-14

The best review I can offer on this disc cannot be contained in my own words. I could quote from many approving and enthusiastic REAL critics from all over the world, but instead I will quote from someone who knew Maestro Lecuona all of his life. Among many handwritten letters and dedicated pictures from Lecuona to this individual, Lecuona states in one of them: “To Manolo Lamas, who has a musical spirit very few possess”. Maestro Lamas, possibly Lecuona’s best musical friend during his lifetime, (in fact-Lecuona was his godfather) INTIMATELY and EXPERTLY knows the maestro’s music. This authority has personally told me that Thomas Tirino is the BEST current living interpreter of the music of Lecuona that he knows. In fact, he says that on many occasions you cannot tell them apart. I suggest that you compare the different interpreters. I’m certain you’ll agree-and beyond that, you’ll profoundly enjoy and be dazzlingly enchanted by the pianistic talent of this wonderful concert artist. One can SENSE, above everything else, the love with which Tirino plays Lecuona’s music.

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Kudos for Tirino!.......2001-05-10

This 3rd volume in a series of 5 CDs by pianist Tirino is a veritable treasure, not only due to the master pianist's astounding technical proficiency, but also due to his bravura decision to include a selection of Lecuona's most famous (and demanding) pieces. Pianist Tirino has single-handedly caused an international re-birth and re-discovery of my great-uncle Ernesto's musical works. Devoting a significant number of his life to researching, compiling, transcribing, recording, and performing Lecuona's music, Thomas Tirino's execution of the composer's danzas on this CD illustrates why our family recognizes him, among all post-Lecuona interpreters, as the standard bearer of the composer's music. Tirino's musical prowess shines throughout the valses and contradanzas included in Vol. 3. To listen to this recording is to return nostalgically to those idyllic nights I spent as a youngster in Cuba, listening to my uncle Ernesto perform his pieces at either his farm outside Havana or during his frequent concerts at Havana's theaters, such as the Teatro Payret or Marti. Astounding in his affinity to capture the "zandunga" or flavor in Lecuona's arpeggios and rhythmic nuances, Tirino clearly demonstrates why I, along with the remaining members of the Lecuona family, consider him to be the most representative interpreter of this great body of work. This volume is also important because it introduces and illustrates a side of the Lecuona repertoire not generally known to pianists outside of Cuba and Spain. This CD should be considered a "must" buy for both the serious student of Lecuona music as well as the casual fan of his great repertoire.

"The real thing" Lecuona Reincarnated.......2001-05-09

This is one of my favorite recording of ALL TIME. Torino's sound is beautiful and his playing shows great skill and total command of the style found in this music. Anyone who says it otherwise is ignorant. Torino is the real Reincarnation of Lecuona. The edit notes on his recording are transcriped from Lecuona's own recording and are welcome edition. What a contribution he has madel to future generation of artists! I am buying the rest of the CDs in the serie. Highly recommmanded!

Bravo!.......2001-05-09

Volume 3 of The Complete Piano Music (of Ernesto Lecuona) by Thomas Tirino contains some of the richest interpretations of the piano music of the great Cuban master I have ever heard. In particular, the orchestration of the Rapsodia Cubana is a work of inspiration. Through his considerable pianistic talent and scholarship, Mr. Tirino lends a sophisticated, international touch to this wonderful music that only an artist of his calibre could. The result is music that transcends ethnic and cultural borders and brings the listener into the world of pure sound.

Average customer rating: A disc to be treasured Lost and Found Freedom Elegance is the Key in Zayas' Recording "In praise of a true artist" NO REFINEMENT, NO CLASS, TOTALLY OVER-RATED RECORDING

Juana Zayas:A Treasury of Cuban Piano Classics Manufacturer: Music & Arts Programs of America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Lecuona | Lecuona, Ernesto | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ultimate Collection Habaneras, Milongas, Tangos Danzas for Piano Recordando - Maestros of Cuban Classical Always in My Heart-Domingo sings Songs of Ernesto Lecuona ASIN: B000050HYQ Release Date: 2006-01-01

Tracks:

1. Three Knocks
2. Why? Eh?
3. Don't Touch Me
4. Gone, Never To Return
5. The Wake
6. Weep No More
7. The Charmer
8. Intimate
9. Homage
10. The Message
11. Farewell To Cuba
12. Pst!
13. Put Down
14. Forever Yes
15. Reminiscence
16. Invitation
17. Zig-Zags
18. Lady In Waiting
19. Cri-Cri
20. The Jealous One
21. Pecking Gossip
22. Return Home
23. Improvised
24. I Love You Dearly
25. Far Away From You!
26. The Gazebo
27. Interrupted
28. The Hearty Laughter
29. Grand Lady
30. Almendares
31. Lost Illusions
32. Dance No More
33. It Must Be
34. Friendship
35. Decision
36. Amen
37. Pastoral Lullaby
38. Lucumi Dance (Dedicated To Joaquin Nin)
39. Dance Of The Drum
40. Cubanas: Touque De Clave
41. Cubanas: Son
42. Cubanas: Guajira
43. Cubanas: Prld En Son
44. In The Old Manner
45. Six Afro-Cuban Dances: The Midnight Conga
46. Six Afro-Cuban Dances: African Dance
47. Six Afro-Cuban Dances: ...And The Black Woman Danced!
48. Six Afro-Cuban Dances: Dance Of The Nanigos
49. Six Afro-Cuban Dances: Lucumi Dance (Dedicated To Joaquin Nin)
50. Six Afro-Cuban Dances: The Comparsa

Customer Reviews:

A disc to be treasured.......2002-09-28

This extraordinary recording recalls those great artistic pairings that inseparably combine music with the amor patriae of a fervent musician: Arthur Rubinstein playing Chopin and Szymanowski; Alicia de Larrocha playing Albéniz and Granados; and now, Juana Zayas interpreting Cervantes, Caturla, Hernández, and Lecuona. Cuban-born Zayas-whose landmark recording of the Chopin études placed her among our consummate Chopin interpreters-completely identifies with the music of her compatriots.

Zayas left Havana for the Paris Conservatory in her late teens, as did Ignacio Cervantes (1847-1905) nearly a century earlier. His piquantly syncopated Cuban dances-30 of which are presented here-feature lively tango-habanera rhythms and folk-based elements, infused with insouciance, humor and nostalgia. Their quirky titles-Three Knocks, The Charmer, Farewell to Cuba, The Jealous One, Interrupted, Lost Illusions, to name a few-bring to mind other engaging collections of piano works, such as Alkan's Esquisses or Mendelssohn's Songs Without Words.

The name of Alejandro Caturla (1906-1940) will be unknown to most music lovers. None of his music is listed in the Schwann catalog. He gave a classical cast to Afro-Cuban influences, similar to what Albéniz achieved with his Iberia and Suite española. Caturla's Danza del tambor brings to mind the sharp rhythmic allure and dissonance of Bartók or Ginastera, while the gently affecting Pastoral Lullaby, a folk-based guajira, lingers long after its three minutes have passed.

Gifted in a number of fields, Caturla became a lawyer and judge, only to be assassinated by an irate defendant. Each of these composers became politically aware by necessity, given their country's long history of instability. Gisela Hernández (1912-1971) established ties to the Castro Government, which quickly recognized her teaching and compositional abilities. She was also instrumental in publishing the critical editions of Cervantes's music. Among her Cubanas represented here, Guajira is touched with the same gently rocking melancholy as Caturla's piece.

The music of Ernesto Lecuona (1896-1963) is the most often recorded of the four. As with Caturla, he was largely self-taught. His Afro-Cuban Dances are especially appealing; one cannot listen just once to these captivating pieces.

Zayas brings a beguiling zest and wit to the entire disc, all imbued with a native rhythmic sense. Realistically recorded, her generous, spirited playing inevitably brings a smile, evokes an affecting melancholy or warmly lifts one's mood. In contrast to the refinement of Zayas's playing, the awkwardly written and occasionally misspelled booklet notes represent the only drawback to an altogether inspired project.

Lost and Found Freedom.......2001-10-09

Most of the Cuban music Ms. Zayas plays in this wonderful CD are pieces from the past, lost to many Cubans, like myself. What a joy it was for me to discover this CD as I searched the web! I was aware of Ms. Zayas's magnificent technique, for I have heard her play live Chopin's Piano Concerto in F at a concert in Florida-not an easy piece to play, for it needs not only a great technique but a lot of heart as well. That is why I was expecting this CD of Cuban Music to be played brilliantly and with a love of heart. And that much I got, and a lot more, for Ms. Zayas has also a fantastic sense of rhythm-the kind most "classical musicians" do not have-and she makes these pieces (most of which are Cuban dances) move with passionate ease and abandon, the way Cuban men and women love to move as they dance and make love. I was told she is planning to record Chopin's mazurkas (which are also dances), so I cannot wait for the new CD to come out. Ms. Zayas found lost old music and played it with a freedom that one seldom if ever hears in the classical music world. Bravo for her. Let's have some more.

Elegance is the Key in Zayas' Recording.......2001-05-24

When listening to this beautiful recording, one realizes that the pianist is an artist of intelligence and nuance. I own seven versions of Cervantes' Danzas, including a very rare version of another great Cuban pianist of yesteryear, Yvette Hernández. I play all my Cervantes recordings quite often, and I must admit that I enjoy Ms. Zayas' recording the best. In her hands, the apparently simple music of Ignacio Cervantes is treated with such care, intelligence and finesse, that this simplicity is transformed into the sheer beauty of many brilliant colors, as precious and perfect as small jewls in an elegant necklece. Zayas brings Cervantes' music to the high level it deserves, saving it, for the pleasure of our ears, from the cursory and careless fashion in which, unfortunately, many pianists play such delicious piano miniatures.

Lecuona's piano music can be and has been played in all sorts of ways. Because his music has been so popular and popularized, many listeners may object to the classical treatment these Lecuona pieces recieve in Ms. Zayas' hands. There is a very dynamic tension which exists in the "soul" of Lecuona's music, between the African and the European elements which permeate it. The true universal projection of Lecuona's classical music resides, precisely, in a successful interpretation, on the part of the sensitive pianist, who is able to capitalize on this tension, without overemphasizing either of these two musical influences. Ms. Zayas shows great sensitivity to the music, by keeping the precise balance. This is a wonderful recording for all those who want to enjoy great Cuban classical piano music which is truly Classical. Those who, perhaps, want to dance by Zayas' interpretation of Lecuona will be sorely disappointed. However, if you want to enjoy truly Cuban classical piano music, in which all the musical elements, as intended by the composer, are drawn from the keyboard in a most elegant, balanced and beautiful manner, then you will enjoy this recording as much as I have.

"In praise of a true artist".......2001-05-06

As a music lover and aficionado, I was amused, to say the least, by the recent barrage of disinformation that has taken place regarding Juana Zayas's recording of Cuban music. To the insightful observer,however, the disinformation in question obviously comes from a single source and it is every bit as malicious as it is desperate.... Very pathetic indeed! Ms. Zayas's artistry and enormous talent have been amply demonstrated in her concerts and recordings as well as praised by the most eminent and demanding critics, period.

NO REFINEMENT, NO CLASS, TOTALLY OVER-RATED RECORDING.......2001-05-04

What a total failure. Complete and total vulgarity! No kind of tone whatsover-no technique, no phrasing-hesitations and pauses galore facilitating lack of technical and musical prowess. Inner voices-where? There is NO voice. There is NOTHING stylistically Cuban, 19th century or otherwise about this artist's rendering. It's truly amazing that a pianist who managed to produce a decent Chopin Etude CD (extremely overrated however, and possibly produced through enormous editing) would dish up this kind of junk. Ms. Zayas is a good pianist, but she is NOT an important ARTIST. She plays piano well, but leaves no artistic statement.

There are numerous recordings of the Cervantes that are much better. Fernandez, Pelaez, even Spengler's recordings of these works are 100 times better. Nothing to praise here: phrasing, pedaling, sound, and interpretations are routine at best. The Caturla..not much to compare them with in recording availability. But the Lecuona is the just awful.

I thank GOD for the recordings of Tirino on Lecuona. Zayas has no taste or refinement in these works. Soupy, gobbledy goop that is affected, mannered, and full of ego with lack of technique is her legacy here. Subtelties-where? how? How could anyone with an ear possibly even imagine this better than Tirino's Lecuona Danzas Cubanas on BIS label? Tirino's discs have refinement, poise, style, class, rich ringing beautiful tone, aristocratic refinement of sound, and technique that one just doesen't hear in pianists today-he's a World Class ARTIST. It seems frankly a bit odd to see such negative comments about him-and only here-since he has received accolades world-wide. I agree, Tirino's recordings are also uncannily similar to Lecuona's own on RCA-LA COMPARSA especially. He understands the contrasts necessary to the danza form, projecting the Lecuona style better than anyone. We might not even be having a resurgence of Lecuona's music had it not been for him and his irreproachable recordings. BIS' audiophile sound is known throughout world: The sound on this disc however sounds like she is playing underwater off the Florida coast!

I suggest the Fernandez and Pelaez recordings for Cervantes over Zayas. For Lecuona-Tirino has recorded the music in 5 Volumes on BIS, one better than the next-clearly the choice here. I really like Lecuona's own on RCA/BMG to have with Tirino's.

Don't waste your time, money, or ears on this disc here.

Average customer rating: Amazing music many classical pianists don't know about

Latin American Dances for Piano Marlos Nobre , Francisco Mignone , Alberto Ginastera , Oscar Lorenzo Fernandez , Ernesto Lecuona , Alexandre Pierre Levy , Antonio Valencia , Alberto Nepomuceno , Camargo Guarnieri , Isaac Albeniz , Heitor Villa-Lobos , and Enrique Granados Manufacturer: Intim Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Tangos | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Ginastera | Ginastera, Alberto | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Lecuona | Lecuona, Ernesto | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000026CS1 Release Date: 1999-10-05

Customer Reviews:

Amazing music many classical pianists don't know about.......2005-07-21

In 2005, if you haven't heard of composers like Nobre, Guarnieri, Nepomuceno, or Levy, you are missing out on some of the greatest 20th century piano music ever composed. Much of the music on this album, not commonly known to those of us who know our Schumann, Chopin, Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and so forth, is comparable in quality to that of Schumann. What if there were suddenly discovered twenty or thirty pieces of the highest quality of piano music that Schumann had composed but no one had known about? This album is like that for me. The styles of these Latin American composers run the gamut from late Romantic or what is sometimes called "Impressionist" to challenging Bartok-like Ginastera-esque gems, with a few charming salon pieces to give variety to the mix.

Clelia Iruzun is a ferocious, amazing pianist, with fire like Argerich and tonal subtlety like Horowitz.

If you like classical piano music and great piano playing, you must hear this album. I don't know why there aren't more reviews of it, or why there are no sample clips posted (I am writing this in July 2005, so maybe they'll see the light and post some in the future).

Average customer rating:

Serenata Cubana Manufacturer: Centaur ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Lecuona | Lecuona, Ernesto | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Juana Zayas:A Treasury of Cuban Piano Classics ASIN: B0007OY35W Release Date: 2005-03-01

Average customer rating:

Danzas Cubanas Rene Touset Manufacturer: Orfeon Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music ASIN: B00000JG0G Release Date: 1999-09-28

Tracks:

1. Zapateo Cubano
2. Alegre
3. Cervantina
4. Alterada
5. Tu Y Yo
6. Siempre En Clave
7. Bailarina
8. Recordando Al Maestro
9. La Piqui
10. Cromatica
11. Entre La Y Re
12. Cubanasa
13. La Trece
14. Danza Nocturno
15. Encaje Habanero
16. Cascabel

Average customer rating:

Harold Gramatges: Obra completa para piano Manufacturer: Egrem Music Cuba ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000549ZT Release Date: 2000-10-23

Tracks:

1. Preludio Para El Album
2. Lento Allegro Moderato
3. Tema Con Variaciones
4. Allegro Giubioso
5. Montuna
6. Sonera
7. Estudio De Contrastes
8. Movil
9. Danzon
10. Guajira
11. Habanera
12. Son
13. Begonia
14. Diamela
15. Clavelina
16. Mariposa
17. Violetina
18. Acedonia
19. Preludio
20. Alemanda
21. Siciliana
22. Sarabanda
23. Minuelo
24. Incidencias
25. Guajira
26. Sonatina Hispanica
27. I
28. Ii
29. Iii
30. Pensando En Ti
31. Alleghro
32. Andante E Molto Espressivo
33. Allegro

Average customer rating:

La Volanta: Danzas y Contradanzas Cubanas Various Artists Manufacturer: Egrem Music Cuba ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000549WT Release Date: 2000-10-23

Tracks:

1. Contradanza De La Zarzuela
2. En Una Volanta Actual
3. Contradanza No. 2
4. Improvisada
5. Interrumpida
6. El Velorio
7. Carcajada
8. Los Ojos De Pepa
9. Contradanza No.1
10. Danza Del Fin De Siglo
11. Contrandaza
12. Suavecita
13. Tu Sonrisa
14. Virtuosa
15. Ayes Del Alma
16. Tedezco
17. Volanta
18. Y La Negra Balla
19. Danza Negra
20. Danza De Los Nanigos
21. Comparsa

Average customer rating: SORRY IT AIN"T GOT IT IN THE HEAT OF THE CUBAN NIGHT Wonderful CD A Latin American specialist sleepwalking Extraordinary version of heart warming music.

Lecuona: Danzas Afro-cubanos; Cuban Dances Manufacturer: Classic Talent ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Lecuona | Lecuona, Ernesto | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Juana Zayas:A Treasury of Cuban Piano Classics ASIN: B000007OJ0 Release Date: 2000-09-30

Tracks:

1. Danzas Cubanas (Ste): Speak No More
2. Danzas Cubanas (Ste): I Cannot Make You Understand
3. Danzas Cubanas (Ste): Here Comes The Chinaman
4. Danzas Cubanas (Ste): Why Do You Go
5. Danzas Cubanas (Ste): Lola Is Celebrating
6. Danzas Cubanas (Ste): In Three Quarter Time
7. Danzas Afro-Cubanas (Ste Of Afro-Cuban Dances): Midnight Congo
8. Danzas Afro-Cubanas (Ste Of Afro-Cuban Dances): Dance Of The Black Cubans
9. Danzas Afro-Cubanas (Ste Of Afro-Cuban Dances): ... Y La Negra Bailabad
10. Danzas Afro-Cubanas (Ste Of Afro-Cuban Dances): Dance Of The Nanigos
11. Danzas Afro-Cubanas (Ste Of Afro-Cuban Dances): Lucumi's Dance
12. Danzas Afro-Cubanas (Ste Of Afro-Cuban Dances): Carnival Procession
13. Andalucia (Ste Espanola): Cordoba
14. Andalucia (Ste Espanola): Andalucia
15. Andalucia (Ste Espanola): Alhambra
16. Andalucia (Ste Espanola): Gitanerias
17. Andalucia (Ste Espanola): Guadalquivir
18. Andalucia (Ste Espanola): Malaguena
19. Andalucia (Ste Espanola): Granada
20. Andalucia (Ste Espanola): Sibnoney

Customer Reviews:

SORRY IT AIN"T GOT IT.......2001-08-09

As an avid lover of the music of Lecuona, I have listened to all of the available recordings, and some which are now out of print, including LP's long gone by Echaniz, Pennario, etc. which were wonderful. This pianist, though a good one, misses the point ENTRIELY in this music. Soft, supple, singing, insights, bravura-none of these words decribe her playing, which is quite routine on this disc. (surprising: I have other CD's by her which I just love). She simply does not understand what Lecuona's music is about: the composer's conceptions of tempi, dynamics, structure of what the forms themselves represent, etc. Here in lies the problem: a misconception and uneducation of both performer and listener as to what Lecuona's music really is. It's been played badly for so long, that when it's played correctly, one fails to discern the difference. One may say her playing is "insightful" if one approaches the recording without knowing really what the music is: if you REALLY know, you would immediately point this recording out as just another failed attempt to reinvent Lecuona's music into something it isn't.

Lecuona's style is very specific. One can hear that in his own recordings for BMG. Lecuona's own playing has great technical panache, bravura, almost Lisztian in the presentation. Interpretation such as presented here on this disc, is completely out of place. No matter what you say, or how fans might want to color it, this is NOT the Lecuona recording to have.

IN THE HEAT OF THE CUBAN NIGHT.......2001-07-19

I knew from the opening "No hablas Mas!" of the DANZAS CUBANAS that Ferman would be completely immersed, would live and breathe the sultry syncopations of Cuban-born Ernesto Lecuona, would bring a soft, yet passionate, almost sexy new life to these languid works of some sixty-five years ago. As I continued to listen to the "Por que te vas" (Track 4), my intuition was confirmed. How dreamy and ageless these pieces became under Ferman's caressing fingers. So many pianists merely whack away at Lecuona, pounding him to pulp or, in an effort to show off their pyrotechnique, miss the point entirely. How tiresome; how grueling, and how unfair to Lecuona and the subtleties endowed in his music.

Yes, Ferman takes her time with Lecuona, but I see this as no detriment; instead, she allows us visionary insight. Rhythm and lyricism, hidden lines of melody, submerged inner voicing become readily obvious, deliciously piquant and nostalgic. She knows EXACTLY what she's doing, and she brings a new validation, a new legitimacy to Lecuona's compositions.

Listen to, for example, the "Danza de las Nanigos" or "Danza Lucumi" from the DANZAS AFRO-CUBANAS. Listen to how every note sings out so affectionately, so lovingly. The variation of tone and color comes from the palette of a consummate pianist.

ANDALUCIA (Suite Espanola), from "Cordoba" to "Malaguena," is enchanting, romantic, fiery (listen to the "Gitanerias"), and can easily stand beside the Albeniz "Iberia," whose length, itself, may be self-defeating in the wrong hands. With ANDALUCIA, Lecuona really shows his mettle (even though the Suite is a fine integration of works not originally intended as such). And, yes, even "Malaguena," that ill-famed, over-played warhorse, under Ferman's fingers becomes bonafide and fresh.

"Siboney," of course, is a reduction to piano solo of the Lecuona song, and its tuneful longing is peerless. [This was Desi Arnez's favorite Lecuona piece, by the way; don't know how Lucy felt about it, though.]

So infrequently do we come across a pianist whose "connection" to a composer is so absolute, whose revelations are so vital and truthful. Polly Ferman falls squarely into this category. I have no doubt whatsoever of the authenticity of Ferman's approach; it "feels" right from beginning to end. It's too bad, though, since the CD allows sufficient time, that Ms. Ferman did not include Lecuona's suite of the ten NINETEENTH CENTURY CUBAN DANCES, as this would have made the present recording even THAT much more indispensable.

However, even as it is, it's perfect.

[Running time: 66:02]

Wonderful CD.......2000-09-19

As a member of the Cuban-American community I am proud of the wonderful music created by Lecuona and so many other composers. This CD is an excellent sample of what Cuban music has to offer. Mrs. Ferman's execution is vibrant and very much alive.

A Latin American specialist sleepwalking.......2000-07-28

Once again, another pianist comes along on the heels of the Lecuona revival started by the re-release of Lecuona playing his own works on BMG/RCA, and Tirino's monumental, comprehensive and incomparable series on BIS records, and once again, this one fails miserably. Seems like so many pianists are trying to get on the Lecuona bandwagon these days.
Polly Ferman, a wonderful pianist who has done much for Latin American music in performance on and off disk wonderfully, unfortunately, like many other pianists, really misses it here with the music of Cuba's Ernesto Lecuona. It is unfortunate, because one would expect greater insights and interpretations from this pianist, who, sounds at times asleep at the piano.
The tempi are SO slow. No concept of contrast and/or what a danza Cubana is. The malaguena lacks every bit of fire needed, as well as technical panache. The other works lack insights, color variation, and style or understanding of the various works. The music is relegated to a salon like feel, at its worst.
Once again, as a Cuban, in my humble opinion-go get the Tirino BIS series of Complete Piano music of Lecuona. There's really no other game in town, and no competition.

Extraordinary version of heart warming music........2000-07-15

This is a lovely recording of highly spirited musicality. It brings memories of quieter days past in a south american music salon. The performance by Ms. Ferman brings forward an inspiring palette of delicate sounds. I strongly recommend this CD.

Mexican Music:

1. Dejame Hacerte Feliz
2. Duquesa Del Bel Tabarin [Cast Recording]
3. El Amor Que Te Doy
4. El as de la Musica Texana
5. El Nervio del Volcan
6. Enamorado
7. Espana
8. Esta Vez
9. Exitos a Mi Manera
10. Feeling Latino, Vol. 1

Mexican Music

mexican music

Mexican Music

Underground

Colin Tilney Plays Mozart, Vol. 2

Daisies of the Galaxy

Music: In New Orleans [Live]

Beer: The Movie [Explicit Lyrics] [Explicit Lyrics] [Soundtrack]

Corridos de Mexicanos Perrones

Coffee House

Debussy: Jeux/Images/Musique pour le Roi Lear

Crossbreed [CD-single] [Import]

Brandenburg Concertos (Bonus DVD)

Christmas At Mast Cove

Blen Blen Blen [Import]

El Principe

Diamonds & Rust in the Bullring

The Indestructible Beat of Soweto