LATIN URGENCY

As one of the few early twentieth century Spanish composers with ample technique to effectively apply his natural creativity, Joaquin Turina left works capturing the underlying charisma of a Latin race. Herein is buoyancy, a moodiness, the sudden eruption of joix de vivre, and a bitter-sweetness where the two extremes are in a delicate and delicious balance.

In the Sinfonia Sevillana of 1920, [listen - track 1, 07:02-07:44] Turina encapsulates a three-movement structure unified by a predominant motif, with a different backcloth to each movement. [listen - track 2, 04:00-04:59] Scoring is exquisite, and well-defined in this recording, so that the effect is a delight to the ear, which one would therefore expect to have realised the composer's intention. [listen - track 3, 00:26-01:14]

The later Ritmos, a dance-fantasy for 'La Argentina', was first heard under the composer's direction in 1928. It represents a journey from darkness to light. In the years since the Sinfonia, a maturity was realised that provides a greater strength to all elements and their bonding. [listen - track 8, 06:12-07:09]

A question mark I've left to the end. Evangelio from 1915 is rather non-descript. Pleasant but with no feeling of urgency, it may be disregarded without damaging Turina's contribution to music.

I feel that this CD could prove addictive.

To listen to the aural illustrations in this review, you may need to download RealNetworks' realplayer G2.