Corazón
Orchid Classics, 2022
8/10
The cello extraordinaire John-Henry Crawford returns with the pianist Victor Santiago Asunción and the guitarist JIJI for Latin American music that includes works by Leo Brouwer, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Carlos Guastavino, Manuel Ponce, Egberto Gismonti, and Astor Piazzolla.
Brouwer’s “Canción de cuna” opens the listen the cello and guitar interacting with much beauty and culture in the very cautious, stirring climate, and “O canto do cisne negro”, by Villa-Lobos, flows with a distinct dreaminess that swirls with a moving, emotive appeal.
Further down the line, Villa-Lobos’ “Pequeña Suite: Melodia” pairs the cello and piano in a very poetic and classical light, while Piazzolla’s “Legrand Tango” blends piano and cello with tango rhythm and jazz sensibilities that posses a very radiant energy.
Making our way towards the end, “Sonata in G minor for violoncello and piano” unfolds in 4 segments that alternate from bare to rich, and Piazzolla’s “Oblivion” exits with a haunting melody that suits the tone of the cello superbly.
A stunning listen that covers over 140 years of Latin American music culture, Crawford and company embrace the heritage of Argentina, Brazil, Cuba and Mexico, and it results in a very heartfelt and passionate journey that the listener will be enthralled with from beginning to end.
Travels well with: John-Henry Crawford- Dialogo; Chelsea Guo- Chopin In My Voice