The Three-Cornered Hat: Spanish Fantasies Southern Cross Soloists & Slava Grigoryan

• Fernando Obradors (1897 - 1945):
• 1 Obradors: Chiquitita la novia 02:51
• Enrique Granados (1867 - 1916): Tonadillas:
• 2 Granados: Tonadillas: 1. La Maja de Goya (Arr. for Voice and Guitar by Julian Byzantine) 01:59
• 3 Granados: Tonadillas: 9. El Majo Discreto (Arr. for Voice and Guitar by Julian Byzantine) 01:31
• 4 Granados: Tonadillas: 3. El Tra-la-la y el Punteado (Arr. for Voice and Guitar by Julian Byzantine) 01:07
• 5 Granados: Tonadillas: 5. El Majo Timido (Arr. for Voice and Guitar by Julian Byzantine) 01:00
• 6 Granados: Tonadillas: 11. La Maja Dolorosa No. 2 (Arr. for Voice and Guitar by Julian Byzantine) 02:22
• Manuel de Falla (1876 - 1946): El sombrero de tres picos:
• 7 Falla: El sombrero de tres picos, Pt. I: 3. Dance of the Miller's wife (Fandango) [Arr. Paul Dean] 02:39
• 8 Falla: El sombrero de tres picos, Pt. II: 2. Dance of the Miller (Farruca) [Arr. Paul Dean] 03:01
• 9 Falla: El sombrero de tres picos, Pt. II: 4. Final Dance (Jota) [Arr. Paul Dean] 06:25
• Luis de Milán (1500 - 1561):
• 10 Milán: Toda mi vida os amé 01:29
• 11 Milán: Durandarte 04:26
• Joaquín Rodrigo (1901 - 1999): Líricas Castellanas:
• 12 Rodrigo: Líricas Castellanas: 1. San Juan y Pascua 02:23
• 13 Rodrigo: Líricas Castellanas: 2. Despedida y Soledad 02:17
• 14 Rodrigo: Líricas Castellanas: 3. Espere del Amado 01:27
• Gerard Brophy (b. 1953): Verlaine Songs:
• 15 Brophy: Verlaine Songs: 1. Ta voix grave et basse 02:30
• 16 Brophy: Verlaine Songs: 2. La lune blanche 05:51
• 17 Brophy: Verlaine Songs: 3. Il pleure dans mon coeur 03:20
• 18 Brophy: Verlaine Songs: 4. Vrai, nous avons trop d'esprit 05:03
• 19 Brophy: Verlaine Songs: 5. Un grand sommeil noir 04:53
• Shaun Rigney (b. 1960): Chamber Concerto:
• 20 Rigney: Chamber Concerto: 1. Prelude 04:54
• 21 Rigney: Chamber Concerto: 2. Lullaby 04:02
• 22 Rigney: Chamber Concerto: 3. The Toys 05:12
• Total Runtime 01:10:42

Info for The Three-Cornered Hat: Spanish Fantasies

This recording is a real treat. The typical elements of Spanish music, its rhythms, instrumentation and unique melodic lines, are most engagingly presented here by one of Australia’s most successful chamber ensembles, the Southern Cross Soloists (comprising Tania Frazer (oboe), Paul Dean (clarinet), Leesa Dean (bassoon), Peter Luff (horn), Kevin Power (piano) and Margaret Schindler (soprano). They have infused passion and excitement into this recording of Spanish wonders.

Evocative flavours are found in two works exquisitely sung by Ms Schindler: Granados’ Five Tonadillas, Obradors’Chiquitita la novia, both ofwhich have much flair and zest. In de Milan’s Two Romances, the combination of voice and guitar has perfectly captured the sixteenth century character, and in some respects are similar to Dowland’s lute songs. It works well alongside Rodrigo’s Liricas castellanas which continues with a fifteenth century air using modern instrumentation, which emulates the renaissance combination of recorder, vihuela and cornett). Whilst the first two Rodrigo songs capture a melancholy air, the third sparkles.

The ensemble’s founder, Paul Dean has made an arrangement of de Falla’s The Three Cornered Hat (Concert Suite)which works very well for this smaller ensemble. Fiery energy in the opening shows that this ensemble can produce an effect which is large and grand. Quirky phrases abound with quintessential Spanish turns, followed by a bold horn statement taken over by the oboe.

There are two Australian composers on this recording, both of whom were commissioned for the Southern Cross Soloists’ 2006 tour with Slava Grigoryan. Gerard Brophy, a guitarist himself, has matched the lyrical poetry of Paul Verlaine with his own wondrous music in Verlaine Songs, displaying nuance that springs from the text. This is a perfect combination of instrumental colour, performers’ skill and composer’s inspiration, making these songs an addition to the chamber music repertoire of considerable distinction.

Shaun Rigby’s three movement Chamber Concerto is couched in reflections of his infant daughter. It has a playful, and at times calm quality which explores the diversity of the instrumental combination well. One can only hope to hear from this composer in the future.

Slava Grigoryan, guitar
Margaret Schindler, soprano
Southern Cross Soloists

Southern Cross Soloists (SXS)
is synonymous with excellence, delivering quality music-making both in Australia and internationally. Over the past 25 years, SXS has established itself as one of Australia’s pre-eminent chamber music ensembles. Comprised of leading soloists from across Australia, SXS creates and performs dynamic, unique and world-class musical experiences for audiences of all ages. SXS annually employs over 85 artists and art workers, mentors the next generation of performers and offers participation opportunities across a broad spectrum of activities. It has established itself as a company with a growing national and international reputation, performing, learning and celebrating music through intimate connections with artists, audiences and communities.

As a Company-in-Residence of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the group has developed a strong community profile; building and engaging with new audiences. SXS communicates through a vibrant and collaborative approach to performance, and fosters creative partnerships with leading soloists, composers, cross-art forms and cross-genres. SXS curate and deliver a national performance program to an expanding audience across Australia and internationally whilst continuing to nurture and develop emerging chamber music talent and provide meaningful engagement in regional communities. SXS provides opportunities for emerging artists through its flagship SXS Next Gen Artists Program, nurturing some of Australia’s most in-demand young musicians today.

In 2020 we are celebrating our 25th anniversary of music-making as an ensemble.

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