The Bottom Line
Mexican Piano Music by Manuel M. Ponce is a remarkable collection of Ponce's relatively unknown works. It's hard to understand why music this good goes somewhat unnoticed. With its European romantic styles and Mexican flavors, this album is sure to take its listeners to uncharted, but familiar, territory. Jorge Federico Osorio performs with clarity and conviction, making Ponce's music even more beautiful. I give it two thumbs up!
Pros
- A jewel in the sea of music
- Mexican flavor wrapped in a blanket of European style
- Reminiscent of Debussy, Mendelssohn and Liszt
Cons
- None
Description
- Released: October 2005
- 1 Disk, 24 tracks
- Total Play Time: 74:40
Guide Review - Mexican Piano Music by Manuel M. Ponce
A Brief History of Manuel M. Ponce
Manuel M. Ponce was born in Mexico in 1882. Ponce's music is known to many guitar music lovers, as he wrote guitar music on demand. However, his true passion was the piano. Ponce studied music in Mexico and Europe under the direction of several renowned teachers. When Ponce had returned to Mexico, he taught piano in Mexico's National Conservatoire. Unfortunately, at the same time of his American debut at the famed Aeolian Hall in New York, it was announced that Pancho Villa had attacked the American town of Columbus, New Mexico. Needless to say, Ponce's debut didn't happen, and his other U.S. concerts were cancelled. Ponce left America, never to return again.
Manuel M. Ponce was born in Mexico in 1882. Ponce's music is known to many guitar music lovers, as he wrote guitar music on demand. However, his true passion was the piano. Ponce studied music in Mexico and Europe under the direction of several renowned teachers. When Ponce had returned to Mexico, he taught piano in Mexico's National Conservatoire. Unfortunately, at the same time of his American debut at the famed Aeolian Hall in New York, it was announced that Pancho Villa had attacked the American town of Columbus, New Mexico. Needless to say, Ponce's debut didn't happen, and his other U.S. concerts were cancelled. Ponce left America, never to return again.
CD Review
First off, Jorge Federico Osorio plays the piano with exquisite attention to detail without losing the music's intensity. His musical expression is moving and dead-on. Osorio, also Mexican born, adds a passion to his music, apparent throughout the album. On this album you'll find selections from one of the two largest collections of mazurkas composed in the 20th century, selections from "Trozo Romanticos" (Romantic Sketches), Suite Cubana, Duex Etudes Pour Piano (works dedicated to Artur Rubinstein), and more. This highly enjoyable album is a fine example of 20th century music modeled after the great composers of the romantic period.
