MANUEL MARÍA PONCE (1882–1948)
COMPLETE PIANO WORKS • 2
ÁLVARO CENDOYA
“The pieces in this recoding come from two different periods in Ponce's life. The first period covers the time of his self-imposed exile in Havana in 1915, immersing himself in new rhythms and songs from Cuban folk music. The second period belongs to his sojourn in Paris in 1928, during which he incorporated the influences of the Impressionism and new techniques of composition like polytonality.
Ponce’s piano music for the most part remains unknown even to most experts. As a performer, having the chance to bring all of his piano music to a worldwide audience, makes this the most extraordinary project for me.” – Álvaro Cendoya
(1882–1948)
About this Recording
Manuel Ponce was one of Mexico’s most prolific and decorated composers and remains highly esteemed and popular today. Leaving Mexico midway through the Revolution, he lived in Cuba between 1915 and 1917 and soon absorbed the island’s seductive Caribbean sensuality and subtle dances, also expressing melancholic nostalgia for his homeland in the Elegía de la ausencia. While living in Paris from 1925 to 1933, Ponce explored new compositional techniques, resulting in his own modernist style, as heard in the Suite bitonal which is notable not only for its use of polytonality but its inspired lyricism.
“Pianist Cendoya evidently loves this music; every note and every bar fairly bursts with deep feeling, bringing the notes to life in a quite remarkable manner.”
TOTAL TIME: 63:11
ÁLVARO CENDOYA
Álvaro Cendoya started his piano studies in his native Spain, followed by three years of studies in Buenos Aires, and later in London. In 1989 he won the prize for the best interpretation of Spanish music at the international Premio Jaén competition. He made international début in Geneva in 1995 and at Wigmore Hall a year later. Cendoya went on to give recitals and master classes around the world, including the UK, several European countries, the USA, across South America, in Iran, Beirut, Shanghai and Beijing. Previous recordings include music by Cuban composer Ignacio Cervantes and the Basque composer Garbizu. He is a professor at the Basque Conservatory of Music.
MORE TITLES FROM LATIN AMERICAN COMPOSERS
– CBC
– Pizzicato
– American Record Guide
– The Art Music Lounge
